The stage of breast cancer is determined according to the international TNM staging system, based on tumor size (T), the number of axillary or clavicular lymph nodes (N), and whether there is distant spread (M). Staging can be done clinically or pathologically. Most patients have an approximate tumor stage determined by imaging tests before surgery, but for most patients with early-stage, resectable breast cancer, the exact stage can only be determined by a pathology report, allowing for more precise selection of postoperative adjuvant therapy. In addition to routine mammograms and ultrasound, newly diagnosed breast cancer patients generally undergo a whole-body positron emission tomography (PET-CT) scan to rule out distant spread. If preoperative chemotherapy is decided upon, or if breast-conserving surgery is considered, an MRI will be performed. If enlarged or active axillary lymph nodes are found on the scan, axillary lymph node aspiration pathological examination will be performed to assist in planning the axillary lymph node resection procedure.
Doctor Q&A
My mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer, but the hospital test results don't even show the stage. The doctor says she needs a mastectomy (and a full mastectomy) to find out the stage. I want to ask if it's absolutely necessary to have the mastectomy done before finding out the stage? How long does it usually take for her to recover and be discharged from the hospital after surgery? (She is 60 years old and has diabetes.)
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