Has anyone experienced conflicting HER2 results in breast cancer?

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DT

Community Member

2 years ago

Hello! Diagnosed in April 2024 with IDC. Was told after biopsy and other tests I was er/pr/her2 positive, grade 3 stage 1A. I had a lumpectomy and then had to have a 2nd because the margins were not clear after the 1st surgery. Prior to the 2nd surgery, doctor said results came back on the tumor showing as Her2 negative. She then stated there is in very rare cases people who have both Her2 negative and positive cells in the tumor. So now we are waiting for a 3rd result to see where we stand. Has anyone else had this happen? This has caused a delay in my treatment because obviously Her2 positive treatment won't work on Her2 negative cells. What treatment have you been given for this combination? Any input is greatly appreciated because I'm losing my mind waiting. Thank you!

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Accepted Answer

Conflicting HER2 results can definitely happen, and waiting for clarity on test results is incredibly stressful. What you're describing - having both HER2 positive and negative cells within the same tumor - is something that oncologists do encounter, though it's not common. Many community members have faced similar testing delays and the anxiety that comes with waiting for results that will guide treatment decisions, so you're not alone in this challenging experience.

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AR

Community Member

6 months ago

Can I ask how big your tumor was when they measured it? Mine is 17 x 11 x 13 mm on ultrasound. Hoping for a lumpectomy but want to try and be realistic…

1

DT

Community Member

6 months ago

I actually ended up having 2 tumors that totaled less than 3 cm and 2 surgeries because the margins/edges of the tissue removed the 1st time were not clear. Meaning still some cancer cells on the edges, which they do not want. The 2nd surgery everything came back clear. My doctor said as long as they were under 3 cm, then a lumpectomy should be fine. Anything bigger than that then chemo would have been done first to shrink the tumor and then a lumpectomy. I hope everything works out for you. Praying for a speedy recovery!

CA

Community Member

2 months ago

Conflicting HER2 results can definitely happen, and waiting for clarity on test results is incredibly stressful. What you're describing - having both HER2 positive and negative cells within the same tumor - is something that oncologists do encounter, though it's not common. Many community members have faced similar testing delays and the anxiety that comes with waiting for results that will guide treatment decisions, so you're not alone in this challenging experience.

Has anyone experienced conflicting HER2 results in breast cancer?

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