Calcifications on mammogram

Beesie

MissMack, trust me, with a possible fibroadenoma, sclerosing adenosis and ductal ectasia, you don't have that much going on in this breast. 60% of women have fibrocystic breasts, which means that if they all had biopsies, they all would end up with some of these findings. My list was about 10 items long, and I'm not that unusual. What's most important is that no high risk conditions have been found.

Phyllodes Tumors

"Phyllodes (fil-oy-deez) tumors are a rare form of breast tumor; they can be benign (not cancerous), malignant (cancerous), or borderline (having characteristics of both).

Phyllodes tumors account for fewer than 1% of all breast cancers. Their unusual name comes from the Greek word for "leaf", because they have a leaf-like appearance under the microscope. Some inherited genetic disorders are known to increase the risk of developing a phyllodes tumor, but in most cases, the cause is unknown.

Most phyllodes tumors are benign. They may look very much like common benign breast tumors called fibroadenomas. Often, the pathologist needs to look at the whole tumor under the microscope to make a diagnosis. This is why surgery to remove a phyllodes tumor is recommended, even if it is thought to be benign. Unlike other kinds of benign breast lesions, benign phyllodes tumors can grow very quickly and become very large.

Malignant phyllodes tumors are a form of breast cancer; however, they are different from more common kinds of breast cancer. Unlike breast cancer which begins in the milk ducts, malignant phyllodes tumors begin in the connective tissue that surrounds and supports the ducts and lobules of the breast. Phyllodes tumors contain different kinds of cells, but the cancerous part is a sarcoma, or cancer of connective tissue. These tumor cells are very different than ductal breast cancer cells, and behave differently."

MissMack27

Don't forget the microcalcifications, dense breasts and other cysts as well. I understand what you're saying though! Obviously, the calcifications and mass(es) being the most significant. For me, it's overwhelming. Every appt I've had they found something else. I'm just hoping the surgeon says - see you in 6 months. I appreciate everyone's responses and chat boards like this. Being informed and educated about our bodies is such a necessary part to this process or any medical process for that matter. I'll continue to read and learn. I have a list of questions for the doctor already