Benign Papillomas

Jones777

Hello all-

Around the summer of 2015, I found a mass in my breast. I had a biopsy done, and I was told the results were papillary carcinoma. This, of course, rocked my world hearing that I had cancer. I met with a surgeon and had the mass removed. She seemed a little bit suspicious of my test results all along, but did not share this with me until she called me with the results of the excision. It came back that I had a benign papilloma. Not cancer. Not one bit. Just to be safe, she sent my results to Mayo Clinic for the full lumpendectomy. They also said no cancer. Mayo Clinic wanted my original biopsy slides that I was diagnosed with, and called my surgeon back and said I NEVER should have been diagnosed with cancer. There were no signs of it.

Fast forward to a couple nights ago, and I was having some pain in that breast where my surgery incision is (also during my cycle). I felt around a bit to see what was up and found another lump. It feels much like the other. Small and moveable- like a small bean. But... ladies... after thinking I had cancer for 2 months, I am now scared out of my mind!!! What are the odds of having multiple benign papillomas pop up in the same breast? And why the pain? I'm calling my surgeon tomorrow, but I am a mess. I have genuine PTSD from what happened before, and I could use some support/advice.

Thank you!!! So praying it's just another papilloma.

obsolete

Happy 😊 holidays, Jones. Both benign papilloma and papillary carcinoma tumors can grow in multiples. Small, smooth & movable are good signs. It's good you found it, so please don't worry, but get it checked. Sometimes it could be a cyst, if it's softer or more rubbery. Sometimes papillomas are accompanied by atypical cells (hyperplasia) which can eventually turn into cancer (what I had). During your cycle, your sensitivity is peaking. Hugs and care are sent your way.

Normalita

hi

I went in for a mammogram in late November. Of course they found something. I went in for a needle biopsy...which was scary for me...as we have breast cancer in my family. I breezed right through the procedure...I didn't even go black and blue..the doctor called with my results a day later and he said there is no cancer...I just have a plugged milk duct. But he then he tells me that he would recommend it be removed to not cause problems down the line.

I met with a surgeon and I have a wired guided biopsy scheduled for January 3. Now this scares me. I am not fond of being knocked out....I'm. Not real fond of doctors in general. I am thankful I have had Christmas to distract me..and I'm trying to stay positive that it's nothing to worry about. But I still have to go through the procedure and go through recovering from it....I'm glad to find a place to post. Keeping my fingers crossed for a good outcome.

Norm

obsolete

Also both papillary carcinoma and also papilloma masses are usually centrally located near the nipple. Both are ductal, growing within the duct. Same location, usually the same type of mass. Please keep us informed. Good luck.

obsolete

Hi Norm, they're probably concerned about the possibility of atypical cells or calcifications. It's best to be certain and not leave any stones unturned. Just routine protocol. Good luck, let us know, and happy 😊 holidays. Not to worry!!

Jones777

Weareconnected-

Thanks for the reply. I have an appt tomorrow to see my BS. I am just wrecked. I've only told my mom and fiancé and they are both convinced it is just more of the same from before, but they didn't have to go through the false reality of having cancer for some time.

Trying to stay positive and hoping for some good outcomes from tomorrow.

Thanks for the support!!!

Jones777

Norm- I wouldn't worry (easier said than done, right?)

I had a full excision done and healed super fast. I was off work for two or three days tops. And I might have just drug my feet a wee bit on going back. . Keep us posted

obsolete

Hi Jones, yeah, the wondering, waiting & worrying are the worst. False positives are no fun ... The stress itself can cause disease. Papillary and papillomas often require 2nd opinions because of their complicated pathology. Take long deep breaths & exhale slowly. A warm bath can help you destress. Hang in thrre

Jones777

I had an exam with my BS today, and she was even having a hard time finding the lump. She said it felt like a ridge of dense breast tissue or possibly a cyst due to it rolling around so easily. She said it does not feel like cancer. She is sending me to get a mammo and US on the 4th due to my "complex" history.

I feel a little silly considering it seems to be shrinking but at least I have some piece of mind from her until next week when I will get the results immediately.

Breathe.

obsolete

Jones, I'm glad you feel better after visiting your doctor. Please don't ever let anybody make you feel silly. Every single breast irregularity is relevant & important. You know your body better than anyone. Always trust your good instincts for guidance. It took courage on your part to follow thru on your new lump. You are doing well in advocating for yourself. Please keep us posted and sleep well. Hugs!

Normalita

I got a call last night from the hospital where I will be having my surgery in a few days. I was not impressed. This was supposed to be my pre registration. First of all the call came from some person in another state who couldn't even read my chart..her words were "I don't know..I don't have any medical training"

My daughter works in healthcare, mostly in the insurance end of things...but she had to take a medical terminology course...so she could at least understand the doctors notes. The girl that called me was just answering the phone.

I have been extremely nervous the whole way through this whole process. This is the first time I have gone through anything like this. I had to pick a surgeon...that I have never met before, the day of surgery...that will be only the 2nd time I will have seen her. What she told me in her office that day is not what the girl had on her notes last night. This is supposed to be just routine...right? For who? The doctor?

I am a nervous wreck...I am supposed to have surgery..for a condition I know nothing about..by a person I have ever met...I'm supposed to trust these people with my life...they are going to knock me out...and do....who knows what....because they can't even get my name and phone number right. I sent an email to the doctor to figure this out....but I'm thinking I need to cancel everything and find someone else who is more professional.

Norma

obsolete

Hi Norma, please follow your instincts and obtain a 2nd opinion. I also had changed doctors twice when my gut feelings led me elsewhere. It's a good thing that the clerk on the phone call blabbed what details the medical file revealed. Maybe s/he did you a favor? I would press your current doctor for more information, plus get another opinion. I'm sorry you're having to go through this unnecessary stress. We cannot be too careful. Good l and keep us posted.

Jones777

Norma- I don't blame you one bit! Having people I didn't know performing my biopsies, etc and not knowing at the time they were not qualified gave me my false diagnosis. I could have saved myself so much heartache

After that, I made sure to be very proactive in surrounding myself by a team that I *know* will take good care of me. I agree, if your gut is telling you to get a second opinion... go for it! You need to be able to have piece of mind at the end of the day. Let us know what happens!

Jones777

I had my mammo and US today. Mammo was useless as expected because of the dense tissue, but the US tech could feel the mass right away as it is close to the skin. I knew my fun adventure wasn't over because it wasn't black in the middle like a cyst. Radiologist came out and said it looks benign due to smooth edges and probably a fibroadenoma or another benign papilllma due to my history. Much to my surprise, he said we could do a biopsy right then. After it was over, I asked him for his take on what he saw. He said when he injected the mass, it swelled, which is a good sign. He also said it was soft when he was collecting samples. I will have results Friday or Monday. Right now I'm too mentally exhausted to be worried.

obsolete

The pain from wondering, waiting and worrying seems to be unending, but you have shown strength and courage thru it, Jones. Sending prayers and hugs your way for your continued endurance. Best wishes!

Jones777

I just got my results... fibroadenoma. Yay! Just wanted to update for anyone who wanted to know!

adin

I had fine wire surgery recently, found 3mm intraductal papilloma. It wasnt seen on Mamography/USD/MRI just said Bi RAD 4. Pappiloma was removed by coincidence as surgeon removed bigger part of my breast tissue. How to be sure they will found anything inside the ducts just soon enough. How was your intraductal lessions diagnosed?or what diagnostic method would you recommend for lessions inside ducts? Shall I consider prophylactic ductectomy/mastectomy? I have strong cancer family history and fibrocystic breast tissue. Already had some lumpectomies. Do you know any Breast Clinic in BC or anywhere in Canada or USA where I can go? Will I need refferal to get there? as that was the worst part to get refferal for MRI. I wanted to go to oncologic surgeon in Van for second opinion but they sending me to Langley. Is there good breast specialist in Langley? Is it possible to go for prophylactic mastectomy here in Canada without positive gene mutation? How much will I pay for it? Please let me know where and how to go anywhere possibly in BC and possibly on MSP to be in good hands.Thank you very very much.

Moderators

adin, we often suggest that people call the NCI's Cancer Information Service (1-800-4-CANCER). They have a rather comprehensive list of doctors, though we are not certain if they have much in BC. You may want to start a new topic that mentions "need surgeon recommendation in BC". Best of luck!

adin

Thank you so much.