Atypical Hyperplasia - Treatment three years later

Mom12344

Over three years ago age 39, I had bleeding from left nipple, my gynolcologist referred me to a breast surgeon, she did a ductal excision, the concerned duct(z) biopsy was negative however the surrounding tissue had a small spot with atypical hyperplasia, the doctor said it was found incidentally and not to be concerned. The following year I had bleeding in right nipple, MRI and ultrasound was negative, ductal excision was negative. I have had several nanograms since all negative showing dense breast 45%, some benign calcification. Too my surprise at my yearly mamo follow-up I was told normal namo however with new studies on atylical hyperplasia I should see oncologist. I am not menopausal, I am overweight, I do have a great Aunt with breast cancer (diagnosed at 85 years). I am healthy aside from kidney stones, 13 years ago I had 9.5 cm liver cell adenoma removed via liver resection, benign considered to be caused by birth control (have not taken since). I have an appointment with oncologist. Very stressed should/would they do breast biopsies? I know tomoxifin will be discussed. Radiation? Just shocked to be seeing oncologist over 3 years from a spot atypical hyperplasia was removed.

NorthernCanuck

I had ADH in late 2013/2014. They did a biopsy and DX'd the ADH and then I got a lumpectomy in my left breast. Aside from the precautionary lumpectomy, it was not taken very seriously.

Now here I am, less than 1.5 years later with 3 tumours in my right breast. One of them wasn't even discovered until the pathology of the lumps removed. They had a really hard time with the smaller lump as well because I have so many cysts. It's hard for them to see past.

Get the biopsy and make sure to stay on top of your mammograms.

Mom12344

i do not have any lumps and clean mamo they are basing of removal three years ago, should a biopsy sti be done or just go on preventative medicine?

NorthernCanuck

I had no lumps, and at first they weren't going to do anything. But then somehow my case was put before a board of some kind and they said do the lumpectomy.

I would definitely have the biopsy after my experience.

Also, you might want to do the test on the following website twice: Once including ADH and once without and compare results. It's informative.

https://www.mycanceriq.ca/

Good luck!

momoschki

I was diagnosed with ADH four and a half years ago and have been seeing an oncologist twice yearly since then. I know that the very notion of seeing an oncologist can be disturbing, but he/she should be able to give you a more accurate picture of your overall risk, in addition to discussing prevention strategies. The ADH finding does put you on a high risk category and it's likely you will be monitored on a 6 month rotation. Because you have dense breasts, regular ultrasounds and MRI's can see more than mammos.

Remember that the majority of women with ADH are ultimately never dx'ed with breast cancer.

Feel free to PM me if you have more questions. Unfortunately, I have learned a lot about this.

momoschki

• I should add: I would do the biopsy since in about 20% of cases, there can be DCIS found along with the ADH. From what I've read, it is standard protocol to remove the ADH. Radiation is not done for pure ADH.

ballet12

I'm not sure that they can now actually do an excisional (surgical) biopsy on an area that doesn't currently show on mammo as suspicious calcifications or anything else, and isn't palpable, at this point. It would be a fishing expedition. Of course, you should ask about it. They should have probably gone back in at that point three years ago, when they did the ductal excision and get a wider margin to examine the area around where the duct was removed, but even then, if they don't put a titanium marker in (or have marked margins on path slides)-it's still hard to find the area. Anyway, it's good that you are seeing an oncologist, so you can ask all of these questions (and questions about prevention). This all must be a bit scary and unexpected for you.

Ddw79

NorthernCanuck

I did that interesting online test you posted . Not that helpful though as it came back that I am at average risk when I am really at high risk. Thanks for posting though. I had never seen it before.