Focal ADH

Castromi
Castromi Member Posts: 11
edited May 2016 in Benign Breast Conditions

Hello everyone,

I've had two lumpectomies in my right breast in 2015 the last lumpectomy the pathology reported focal ADH. My oncologist and surgeon highly recommend that I have my ovaries removed. The plan is to remove my ovaries and begin hormone therapy for 6 months followed with tamoxifen. I had an ultrasound last week due to a 2.0 centimeter lymph node in my left axilla. As well a new mass in my left breast. I'm scheduled for a repeat ultrasound and mammogram on Thursday. My surgeon believes that the removal of my ovaries will decrease the growth of the masses. I'm curious if anyone else had a decrease in mass growth after having ovaries removed.

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Comments

  • momoschki
    momoschki Member Posts: 682
    edited March 2016

    I was perimenopausal when diagnosed with ADH and none of the doctors I consulted with recommended oopherectomy . Removal of the ovaries is sometimes recommended for women with hormone sensitive cancers, but not typically for ADH. I'm also confused when you say you will begin hormone therapy for 6 months followed by tamoxifen, since tamoxifen IS a type of hormone treatment. What is your doctor suggesting should precede it? Have you gotten a second opinion?

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  • Castromi
    Castromi Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2016

    momoschki thank you so much for responding. The oncologist recommended going on hormonal meds for 6 months and begin tamoxifen after the hormonal meds. I should have added as well my grandmother had ovarian cancer. In December I had an ovarian cyst to rupture. I had an ultrasound 6 weeks later and there were 3 more cysts. The oncologist feels that keeping my ovaries is taking an unnecessary risk. My surgeon insist that removing the ovaries will help with the mass growth. I had a hysterectomy 11 years ago due to fibroid tumors. I was informed that I would not be able to have children due to the damage caused by the tumors. I hadn't really thought about my ovaries until I had the cyst rupture.

    After I get the results from this Thursday's ultrasound and mammogram I will ask for a second opinion.

    I really appreciate you responding. My last lumpectomy involved removing a large amount of breast tissue. I was referred to plastic surgery for reconstructive surgery. I decided to wait until after my 6 month MRI. Did you have reconstructive surgery?

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  • momoschki
    momoschki Member Posts: 682
    edited March 2016

    Castromi, when you refer to " hormonal meds" , what exactly is your dr recommending? This is still confusing me.

    It certainly sounds like you've been through a great deal medically speaking. This must be extraordinarily stressful. It may very well be that ovary removal would help with future potential breast problems, given your prior medical issues-- it's just that I have never heard of it specifically for ADH. This is why I'd be interested in getting a second opinion before going ahead with a major surgery.

    As for me, I first had an excisional biopsy then then, 3 months later, had a bilateral reduction. I'd certainly recommend this as an option if you're large breasted. I was a D and am now a B.

    Best of luck to you and let us know what happens

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  • Castromi
    Castromi Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2016

    Thank you again. I'm currently a size B after the second lumpectomy my right breast has a very noticeable indention. The plastic surgeon stated that he could take fat from my thigh to fill in my breast.


    I will definitely ask for a second opinion and keep you updated.

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  • 614
    614 Member Posts: 851
    edited March 2016


    It sounds to me as if your doctor wants you to have your ovaries removed due to your family history of ovarian cancer and the fact that you have had many cysts/ruptured cyst.  Tamoxifen is hormonal therapy.  It is usually given to someone who is premenopausal.  Once a person is menopausal - i.e. - after your ovaries are removed - then doctors usually prescribe aromatase inhibitors.  You need to ask for an explanation of what your doctor is recommending.  Good luck with your tx and with your reconstruction.

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  • Momcat1962
    Momcat1962 Member Posts: 665
    edited April 2016

    I had ADH but that was never suggested to me...just an annual MRI and Mammo/U/S as needed. In another note, I have had one ovary removeddue to monthly cysts.

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  • Fe_Princess
    Fe_Princess Member Posts: 245
    edited May 2016

    OMG Castromi, I had my ovaries removed because I was 100% estrogen & progesterone but I have regretted it. You have time to decide your course of action and like others have said, get a 2nd opinion. Surgical menopause crippled me on top of dealing with cancer. What have you decided? I am sorry that you are having to make these decisions too, they suck. Do I choose horrible or horrible.

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  • Castromi
    Castromi Member Posts: 11
    edited May 2016

    Hello Fe Princess

    Thank you for responding. I had surgery almost 3 weeks ago I opted for bilateral salpingo-Oophorectomy. I see my oncologist in July. If there are no issues I was told that I would not have to start tamoxifen. I had an enlarged axillary lymph node; the surgeon did a biopsy while I was under during surgery. Which came back overall benign but non-specified. For now I'm doing well. I will definitely post if there are changes.

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