Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia

rekidal

Hi I am new to this forum and looking for some advice.  I had a stereotactic biopsy performed a week ago and the results showed atypical ductal hyperplasia.  The doctor I met with is recommending surgery to get a larger sample.  She explained that at this time she is not calling it cancer but that the results could end up showing stage 0 cancer.   After researching online, I noticed that some people do not opt for surgery but just closer monitoring.  I am unsure of which way to go.  Especially since the surgeon said that the results may not be conclusive and that they would have to go in and take an even larger sample.   I would love to hear others thoughts, and if you have been faced with this situation what you decided.  And, do you feel it was the right decision.  Thank you.

MelissaDallas

The recommendation any time that you have ADH or ALH or LCIS is to have an excisional biopsy to rule out any cancer being in that area. It is usually AFTER an excisional biopsy confirms that there is nothing worse lurking in there that you go to closer monitoring in the future. In my case my stereotactic showed ALH, suspicious for LCIS. My excisional biopsy confirmed LCIS, but nothing worse and so I am now on six month checks and they recommended I take an aromatase inhibitor. I think about 10% of cases with atypical cells get upgraded on excisional biopsy. There is always that small chance that there could be a small invasive cancer in the area, so best to get it checked. That is my understanding.

MelissaDallas

There is also an ADH Club thread here to connect with others:

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/47/topic/...

Sunkat1080

I am having my excisional biopsy done on monday.  My stereotactic showed ADH and radial scar.  I think it is the prudent thing to do.  The peace of mind alone will be worth it for me if the results come back negative. I am not someone who can "wait and watch".

rekidal

Thank you for the responses.  I am scheduled for December 3rd, but had been second guessing my decision.  I believe I will move forward with the surgery just to know for sure.  I will also check out the site that was recommended.

momoschki

In my case, it was never really presented as a choice.  The stereotactic biopsy showed ADH and the breast surgeon indicated that the next step was an excisional biopsy to rule out anything more sinister.  Personally, I never would have considered NOT doing it-- the procedure itself wasn't a big deal and it was well worth the peace of mind to learn that I wasn't  walking around with anything malignant.  I was lucky in that the pathology of the excisional biopsy revealed nothing but fibrocystic changes-- all the ADH was removed by the first stereotactic biopsy.

rekidal

Thanks for your response.  I probably wouldn't be so apprehensive except everything happened so quickly.  I had mammogram on the 1st and the biopsy on the 15th.  I was told on the 21st that I need to have surgery to rule out cancer, and I am already scheduled for knee surgery next week.  I think I am just a little overwhelmed right now.  It helps to read other peoples thoughts and experiences.

rekidal

Sunkat1080-  I hope all goes well for you Monday.

Sunkat1080

Thanks Rekidal!  I  will post an update with procedure/results.

Moderators

Dear rekidal, welcome to BCO and we hope the above quality adice helps in your decision.

It is
better to have a doctor who is cautious and wants to know for sure that it is
all benign before saying "all clear", than one who offhand says
"it'll be OK". Try not to get yourself in a stressed state by reading
too much of what Dr Google has to say in the many dubious sources on the
Internet.

We all
hope it is nothing to worry about, but you're lucky to have a doctor who wants
to be sure.

The
Mods

rekidal

Thanks Mods!

InfoLady

The procedure is quick and I had practically no pain afterwards. I stayed home only 1 day after surgery and flew 5,000 miles less than a week later. I think that the peace of mind of knowing that your don't have cancer will be worth it - and, if it does turn out to be cancerous, you will have caught it as early as possible and given yourself the best chance of beating it.

For me, the hard part is living with the knowledge that I am classified as increased risk for breast cancer - the suspense after each mammogram and ultrasound gets to me.