Questions on Pathology Report

MinnesotaGirl

I am 52 y.o. and recently had a radiologist state I needed a Stereotactic Biopsy to determine if she was seeing cancer or a radial sclerosing lesion on a 3-D Diagnostic Mammogram and a Sonogram. I had the biopsy and the findings were: "Benign breast tissue with histiocytic inflammatory nodule. Calcifications identified." My Gyn set me up with a breast surgeon and the appointment is in two weeks. I have a few questions which I'm hoping some of you can help me with...

What exactly is a histiocytic inflammatory nodule with regards to breast tissue? I've looked it up on the internet and have found that it's most common in the lungs, liver and spleen, and that there are three distinct types, depending on the cell structure. But I can't find it in relation to breast tissue. Also, since there are different types, shouldn't the lab have stated which type it was?

The lab report also states "Calcifications Identified" Since there are two types, Macro and Micro, shouldn't the lab have stated which type?

Lastly, is this even my lab result? Has anyone else had their radiologist (who also did the biopsy) state rather definitively that it could be cancer or a radial sclerosing lesion, and then have the path report come back stating it's something entirely different? Also, calcifications are usually seen on mammograms first, yet none showed up on the ones I had, nor on the sonogram, but they are in the pathology report. What do you all think?

Moderators

Hi MinnesotaGirl,

Here is a guide to understanding the pathology report, but it really doesn't help with these specific questions.http://www.breastcancer.org/Images/Pathology_Report_Bro_V14_FINAL_tcm8-333315.pdf

Please do keep us informed about what you learn from the breast surgeon.

Hugs,

The Mods

614

Dear Minnesota Girl:

You have excellent questions.  Did you meet with the doctor to discuss the pathology report or did you get the pathology report first?  I saw pathology reports of mine (because I could access them through the portal at the hospital) before I met with the doctor.  Please make an appointment with your doctor and ask all of your questions.  Hopefully, all of your questions will be answered and you can create a plan for how to proceed depending on what your pathology report means.  Good luck.