atypical cells found after breast biopsy.

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Liza12345
Liza12345 Member Posts: 13
edited February 2016 in Benign Breast Conditions

I haven't heard of this before. What would be the procedure after they found atypical cells? I am concerned and would appreciate any information that any of you would know. Thank you

Comments

  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited October 2015

    Two types of atypia were found in my excisional. Atypical ductal and atypical lobular. My BS wasn't too concerned about the ADH but said the ALH could be a marker for cancer in both breasts. The next step for me was to meet with a genetic counselor who put a number on my risk. He also discussed options

  • Ddw79
    Ddw79 Member Posts: 533
    edited October 2015

    They found ADH in my case too upon stereotactic biopsy. I then had to do an excisional biopsy aka lumpectomy at which point they also found ADH and a few other nasty things but they described those as benign . ADH not so much ... Considered 30-35% ris

  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited October 2015

    How were you told that you had atypia?What kind of atypical cells? The kind makes a difference. Have you had an appointment to discuss the biopsy results? I had ALH on core biopsy. They called and told me that & that they were referring me to a surgeon to discuss & schedule an excisional biopsy to follow up the core one. Some kinds, like flat atypical epitheleal cells are not considered as concerning. I saw on your other thread that you were afraid that entailed lymph node surgery. That would not generally be the case with an additional biopsy for nothing but atypia.

  • Liza12345
    Liza12345 Member Posts: 13
    edited October 2015

    thank you Melissa for getting back to me. I had a mammotome biopsy and it came back negative to cancer but atypical cells so my Dr.'s nurse said he needed to talk to me (that's all she would tell me) I go in in 2 weeks. I just don't know what to expect and am really worried that I will need some kind of surgery. I don't know what a ALH stands for and what is a core biopsy? I guess it means they go back in and remove more tissue. Would a radiologist do this or would my surgeon do this? I am about ready to have both breast taken off because I have had calcification removed, abcess breast, lots of surgery on both breast but this is the first time something has come back that something was wrong, and the strange thing is that the mammogram did not show anything, it was the ultrasound that showed this. that is really scary for women who only get mammograms.

  • Concerned2012
    Concerned2012 Member Posts: 22
    edited November 2015

    I am sorry for everyone that has or will be diagnosed with these horrible breast diseases.

    Farmerlucy, if you don't mind me asking you, I too had ALH, and only chose a lumpectomy. I have an appointment with a genetic counsellor on the 18th. Did your appointment with the counsellor provide you information that lead you to having a prophylactic mastectomy? I have many underlying breast issues (very busy), mom had bc @ 70 & sister with a papilloma. I would like some reassurance that I am making the right choice seeing a counsellor, family & friends have voiced their negative opinions. Thank you for your advice and I wish you and everyone here all the best.

    Also, has anyone been diagnosed with ALH and then years later been diagnosed with bc? And if so, how soon after your ALH diagnosis? Thank you.

  • Ddw79
    Ddw79 Member Posts: 533
    edited November 2015

    I was recently dxed with ADH.

    I have seen numerous people on here dxed 5-14 years later dxed with bc after ADH and ALH dx. This is why they monitor because these abnormalities represent greater risk. In my case both docs told me 30-35 % increased risk . I see from these posts that bc can happens from 6 months to fourteen years after initial discovery

  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited November 2015

    I had already made up my mind that if anything came up in any screening I'd do a PBM. However the GC's assessment of 50% risk sealed the deal and persuaded my BS to do the surgery, though I do think there was some feet dragging on their part in getting me scheduled.

  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited November 2015

    The GC was pushing hormonal therapy but I was adamant about the PBM

  • Concerned2012
    Concerned2012 Member Posts: 22
    edited November 2015
  • Concerned2012
    Concerned2012 Member Posts: 22
    edited November 2015

    Ddw79 & farmerlucy, thank you! I just had a "routine" Mammo the other day, the past 5 years I alternated btwn diagnostic Mammo & MRIs every 6 months. All good, no change, so I'm good for a year. Now I'm thinking I'm jumping the gun seeing a genetic counsellor. My mom had bc @ 70 & passed away from unrelated issues. I like to hear your thoughts about keeping my apt with counsellor. Btw, I'm a thyroid cancer survivor. BS feels since I now had thyca, I should seek counsellor'sadvice. Thank you.

  • Ddw79
    Ddw79 Member Posts: 533
    edited November 2015

    In my opinion it can't hurt to go through genetic counseling/testing. I have done this twice . It may turn up nothing as in my case and give you more information about your choices and how to procede.


    There is a big intersection between thyroid and breast issues much of this relating to iodine or the lack of it.


    You may want to read Dr Daniel Brownsteins book on Iodine. He addresses these issues thoroughly.


    Both Farmer Lucy and I had recent genetic testing through Color Genomics. It's all done online at a low cost and we were both comfortable with the process and the experience

  • Concerned2012
    Concerned2012 Member Posts: 22
    edited November 2015

    ddw79, thank you so very much!!! I will definitely get this book. I have read the correlation btwn iodine and bc. Also radioactive iodine treatment, which I had, increases risk for bc. In going to keep my appointment. Sorry that we are all here, but grateful for the support & wisdom that you have provided.

  • Ddw79
    Ddw79 Member Posts: 533
    edited November 2015

    I hope it's helpful and I think to you it will be. The book is; Iodine Why You Need It.

    I have Hashis and Late onset type 1 Diabetes. Oncologist is stumped by all of this horribleness and doesn't quite know how to recommend continuing care/ follow up in my case. We all have way too much



  • Concerned2012
    Concerned2012 Member Posts: 22
    edited November 2015

    Ddw79, I too have Hashi, not fun. sorry to hear you have a lot on your plate. I have researched the importance of iodine and have been sharing my knowledge with friends who have thyroid issues, and they were amazed of how important such a supplement is. Thank you again!!! I pray your doctor(s) can get a grasp on how to treat your conditions. I have a great endo, who became my husband's 7 years ago, when he had a brain tumor that ruptured (has wreaked havoc onhis day-to-day life, but we are coping, has gotten better over time). I now became her patient and we are so thankful for her knowledge. Have a sunshiny day!

  • Ddw79
    Ddw79 Member Posts: 533
    edited November 2015

    I'm sorry to hear about your DH . We just put one foot in front of the other .

    Hashis and Breast Cancer are connected through the above mentioned iodine connection. I began supplementing with iodine this past June as I tested very deficient for it.


    Lots of luck and hope

  • Liza12345
    Liza12345 Member Posts: 13
    edited November 2015

    HELLO EVERYONE ok here goes - I had a mammo, ultrasound, biopsy, lumpectomy that showed papilloma and atypical cells. Since all was benign, why would I have to have radiation and take tamoxifen . If anyone knows, please write me back. I just have heard so many bad things about tamoxifen and I am scared. I am 73 yrs old and don't know about all the side effects. Thank you all for posting so much info. Liza12345

  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited November 2015

    Liza, You wouldn't have radiation for just atypical cells. Did you also have DCIS in your biopsy report?

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2015

    no radiation given for just "atypia" (ADH or ALH); so like Melissa, I was wondering if you had DCIS diagnosed as well.

    Anne

  • kpannabecker
    kpannabecker Member Posts: 9
    edited December 2015

    I'm glad to find this post. I found out this morning I have atypical lobular hyperplasia and will be scheduled to see a breast specialist, where I guess I'll find out more. I'm 52, my mother had BC at 50 and my sister at 48 (also grandmother and aunt had it) so my doctors have been really great at watching me closely. In the meantime, it's nice to read others' thoughts and advice.

    I was relieved to get the phone call this morning saying it wasn't cancer. I'll be glad to be seeing a specialist where they'll look even closer at things.

    Thanks for the support everyone.

  • DocBabs
    DocBabs Member Posts: 775
    edited December 2015

    Concerned20, I was diagnosed with ALH on a stereotactic biopsy. First option from the radiologist was to return in 6 months for a repeat mamma. I asked her what would you do and she said I'd have an excision biopsy. Off I went to a breast surgeon and had an excision biopsy. I was told by the surgeon that the results were negative but I requested the path report and the final diagnosis was LCIS. I didn't really know what it was at the time but I knew that it wasn't negative. I went to an oncologist and she decided that I needed high risk monitoring , after reassuring me that I did not have cancer. Due to past medical problems it was decided that I would not take any AIs' but I would have mamma, mir, ultrasound and breast exams every 6 months though they way they were spaced out I had one of them done every 3 months.Three years after my diagnosis of LCIS I was diagnosed with IDC on a stereotactic biopsy of calcifications. This was done 3 months after a negative MRI. BMX followed quickly afterwards and in april of 2016 I will be 5 years out fromm my diagnosis.

  • MabelJo
    MabelJo Member Posts: 25
    edited February 2016

    I just had an excisional biopsy after a month of "you need to come back for another mammogram and US, you need come back for a core biopsy, etc"

    The core found weird atypia, but nothing definitive, so did an excisional on the 4th. (my routine mamm was on Dec 16th 2015)

    My surgeon just called and said they had to send it out for a second opinion, because the pathologist said it looked like the core, but still really abnormal atypia that they couldn't call it just yet.

    I am at my wits end. I don't know if this is just ADH (or ALH) or if its Low Grade DCIS, or even something no one has thought about! Driving me batty.

    I am 39 on Saturday. I went in for a routine because of my family history, and this is where I am at. I know they want to be thorough, but it's driving me nuts that I can't seem to get a simple yes or no diagnosis.

    Anyone else been through this? I also see a genetic counselor on the 22nd. My life is sorta on hold and I am frustrated.

    Thanks

  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited February 2016

    So sorry for the angst. I had an excisional biopsy and two pathologists looked at the specimen independently. One called it ADH/ALH the other LCIS/DCIS then it was sent out to Vanderbilt for a second opinion which took about five more days. Vanderbilt called it ADH/ALH. Leaf made a post a while back that showed a diagram of ADH vs DCIS and apparently it is sometimes a tough call thus the need for additional examination.


  • KayaRose
    KayaRose Member Posts: 183
    edited February 2016

    Kpannabecker,

    In 1997 at age 47, I had a mammogram that showed an area of calcifications in my right breast. I had an excisional biopsy and it was diagnosed as ALH. The surgeon removed quite a large chunk of tissue that would probably be called a lumpectomy in today's terms. He told me that, in all likelihood, I would have breast cancer at some point during my lifetime and to be vigilant about mammogram screenings. Fast forward 20 years and here I am with ILC in my left breast. In all those years, I never missed a mammogram. Yet from one year to the next, the ILC had grown and spread to my lymph node.

    ILC is hard to detect. If you have dense breast tissue I would recommend you push for ultrasounds in addition to mammograms. Catch it early if it does develop. Good luck to you.

    Kaya

  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited February 2016

    da$nit kaya! I hate that! I get so furious when I hear these things. How many women out there think "I had a mammo I'm good." I hope you are doing well.

  • KayaRose
    KayaRose Member Posts: 183
    edited February 2016

    farmerlucy,

    This week I'm doing good. Last week I had a biopsy because two little lumps developed in my mastectomy area. Thankfully, that's all they were - lumps of tissue damaged by all the radiation I had. I'm all done with active treatment and am now on Arimidex. Out of everything - chemo, surgery, radiation - it's the worry about a recurrence that is the hardest to deal with. But I try to stay positive and enjoy today.

    Sounds like you've endoured a lot, too. Wish you the best!

    Kaya

  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited February 2016

    Glad the bumps were nothing! I just started Arimidex today. I like tamoxifen but my onc wants me to try an AI. I'm determined to make it work.

    I had such a hard time dealing with the fear of recurrence. I replayed every scenario over and over and over in my head. Ran the numbers over and over. It was a tough time. Stupid breast cancer radio played 24/7. Now I still hear it, but it isn't that loud, and doesn't color everything else. Time will helps things a lot. I think about the two year mark the fear had eased a bunch. Hang in there Kaya.

    Sunday is my four-year cancerversary!! I love AND celebrate my cancerversaries! I'm also loving welcoming a new year- five for me! Yay


  • Supportive
    Supportive Member Posts: 81
    edited February 2016

    can i ask please. So many state alh and adh. Is that atypical lobular hyperplasia and is this diagnosed in addition to the lump you have?

    Or is alh and adh associated only with a papimolla or fibroadenoma and should it appear on your pathology report

    Sorry for the ignorance


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