Atypical ductal epilethium

Sarnic

I am worried sick. I am 41, have had a lumpy right breast for years after nursing. Doctor said more glands on that side and nothing to be concerned with. Fast forward, I got sick of lumpiness and decided to go in and have it looked at. Had mammogram and ultrasound and was told many cysts and dense breast tissue in that area. Saw nothing to be concerned with no cancer they told me based on mammogram and ultrasound. They offered to aspirate them if I wanted but there was not necessary and I chose to do so. Sick of being lumpy and wanted them gone. They said for peace of mind they could send out fluid to cytology. No peace of mind with my call back. They told me I don’t have cancer but I should see a breast surgeon due to atypical cells. Days later cytology report was sent through to my email and it says:

The ThinPrep and cell block demonstrate cyst material, groups of apocrine
metaplastic epithelium and some groups of benign-appearing ductal epithelium. In addition, there are some groups of ductal epithelium that
are atypical. They demonstrate nuclear enlargement and nuclear hyperchromasia that is concerning for ductal atypia.

I am scared out of my mind I have cancer. They have referred me to a breast surgeon but I can’t get in for weeks. I can’t eat, can’t sleep, can’t function. This is consuming me. I call every day for a cancellation to get in sooner w no luck.

Anyone have any insight? I am so scared. All I can think about is my kids and what if this is cancer.

Moderators

Hi there, Sarnic-

We're so sorry you find yourself here with this worry. And we completely understand your concerns! It's important to keep in mind that atypical cells are not necessarily indicative of cancer, and it sounds like your doctor has already determined the cells appear to be benign. We absolutely know how hard it is not to panic, and changes to your breast health can indeed be very scary. We hope you're able to find some peace before your upcoming appointment, and we hope meeting with the surgeon puts your fears at ease!

The Mods

Ingerp

ALH/ADH are nothing beyond atypical cells. I had ALH about 12 years ago, they did a quick excisional biopsy (= lumpectomy), and that was that. Try to slow down and breathe.

Sarnic

I pushed for more answers on the pathology while I wait and for more information on next steps and they have now scheduled me for an MRI and also the placement of a marker in that area. The doctor told me they think the cells did not come from the cysts but came from nearby tissue they touched during the cyst aspiration. Interesting part is ultrasound and 3D mammogram did not pick up anything. It is just the cells that came from the aspiration of the area. The mri results will be in they said by the time I meet with the surgeon next Thursday. Still nervous but they did tell me cells are not normal but they aren’t cancerous.

Tayram2021

I have been reluctant to post due to so many members actually having breast cancer. My anxiety grows every day, especially after the last couple of days after experiencing side effects. I was diagnosed with ADH which I was prescribed Anastrozole. I do not have a personal support group so another doctor recommended this website. My SE include severe headaches, acid reflex, and loss of appetite. I feel like I'm on a rollercoaster ride with my emotions, trying to stay positive until my next mamo in July, but falling short on some days of the unknown. I didn't know that there was such a thing as ADH or ALH. I've never came across anyone diagnosed with either, which makes me feel even more isolated from encouragement of someone else understanding what I am experiencing. I hope that someone can express their me too experience with me.

BCat40

hi Tamara, welcome. If you go to the separate board section on hormone therapy you can get support and advice on your side effects from anastrazole. I’m not sure how active this board section is.

LivinLife

Ingerp is correct - abnormality though not cancer - that is good news for you! You will see what they recommend though taking the area out (excision) is often the recommendation... Please let us know how the appointment with the surgeon goes....

LivinLife

Tayram, welcome! As BCat said there are forums for people dealing with issues such as yours. Even if you were pre-diagnosis that is what the "Worried though not diagnosed" forum is for. You are more than fine being on the site and posting!!! Find a forum that fits for you and get active : ) You could even start your own thread in the "benign breast condition" forum while being active where BCat mentioned too.. Try to stick with starting one thread though you can be active in more than one forum and thread for sure....

MelissaDallas

Tayram, start with this “ADH Club"thread in the High Risk for Breast Cancer Forum

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/47/topics/773927?page=34#idx_1004