Rare dystrophic calcifications

danie22

Now I'm really confused.  I recently had a second lump removed (in same exact spot) and the my oncologist said it was benign and I don't have anything to worry about.  Then he handed me the pathology report and sent me on my way.  I've been trying to read the report, but frankly I have no idea what it means.  If anyone can explain this to me, I would be forever greatful...

Diagnosis:

Breast Mas: Benign breast tissue showing columnar cell change with microcyst formation, cystic apocrine metaplasi and rare dystrophic calcifications in the bacground of dense stromal fibrosis, see comments. 

Comments:

A small focus of epithelial proliferation suggestive of lobular neoplasia is noted in slide  C.  Deeper sections and E-cadherin study will be performed and the results will be report as an addendum.

Addendum:

The immunohistochemical study with E=cadherin reverals no immunoreactivity in the area of focal epithelial proliferation consisten with lobular phenotype.  The microscopic features and IHC results are consistent with focal atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH). 

Please excuse typos--that was difficult enough to read, let alone type!  Bottom line, should I be concerned?  Does this finding put me in a higher risk of developing breast cancer?  The first lump was removed 3-years ago and was diagnosed as fibro-cystic changes...the lump grew back in the same spot and although I just had the lump removed 3-weeks ago, there is another larger and much harder lump (surgeon said it's scar tissue--would that appear so quickly?  It didn't happen the last time). 

Anonymous

danie--ALH, while not cancerous itself, does increase your risk of invasive bc  moderately.  Be vigilant with your self breast exams and have regular yearly mammos and clinical breast exams.

Anne

LibraGirl

I believe "rare dystrophic calcifications" means a very small number of calcifications that are the result of previous damage (i.e., surgery) to the tissue in the area in question.  I had these show up in a mammogram of my breast post-lumpectomy.  They were not there the year before and like yours were right in the scar area. 

leaf

The 'rare' in 'rare dystrophic calcifications' is probably referring to the frequency seen on your slide.  In other words, I think they were saying they rarely saw dystrophic calcifications in your sample.