Flat epithial atypia

Flat epithelial atypia is a type of benign cells that are not malignant, but some physicians characterize them as potential pre-cursors of cancer that might put you at risk for future problems (much like ADH - but with lower risk than ADH for future problems).  As you have seen, there is often a fine line between FEA and ADH ... though pure diagnosis of ADH is likely more serious ... the standard-of-care is close monitoring and follow-up.  Your doctor is likely being cautious and sending you to an oncologist for their recommendation of whether or not you would benefit from hormone therapy (tamoxifen) - which is being used by some, not all, oncologists for patients with ADH/FEA as a chemoprevention (cancer prevention).

Good luck. I am sorry you have had to go through such waiting and confusion, it sounds like you will be getting more frequent mammograms and closer follow-ups ...  

While tamoxifen can cause some SEs that are similar to menopause (like hot flashes), it does not "put you into menopause". Many continue to have regular periods while on tamox (while most have irregular periods and some stop altogether.) I took it for 5 years and tolerated it well; I would just recommend a yearly transvaginal US to monitor both the uterine lining and the ovaries.

anne 

Lamb, If your BS goes with the FEA diagnosis, or assumes the diagnosis is very low risk ADH (since it is so similar to FEA) I don't think that tamoxifen will be prescribed - not all physicians are prescribing tamoxifen in cases of ADH/ALH. 

I hope you continue to heal from the biopsies, and try to stay calm, hugs to you. 

Lamb----coincidentally, I had ovarian torsion and ended up with a TAH/BSO (they suspected ovarian cancer, but fortunately the ruptured ovarian cysts were all found to be benign). As far as I know after speaking with my doctors and researching, your overall estrogen would be lower with the one ovary. (there is estrogen produced in the adrenal glands, as well as skin and fat). I had everything removed, so I went into immediate surgical menopause.

Evista is another preventative (I took tamox for 5 years and have been on evista for over 3), but it is only for post menopausal use.

anne 

I think that you should feel very confident that you have no malignancy.  You are likely going to be followed somewhat closely (maybe diagnostic mammos rather than screening) -- maybe every 6 months, maybe yearly -- but if I were you, I would NOT lose any sleep over it.  

Also, it is likely you will not be prescribed tamoxifen (which is a very good thing).

Congratulations, this should make you feel relieved.