Just ALH or something more?

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Greta71
Greta71 Member Posts: 4
edited March 2021 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

First, hello to all of you brave ladies! I’ve been lurking on here the past few weeks since I got my call back for calcifications in my left breast. A few ultrasounds, mammograms, one MRI and two biopsies later and I have been diagnosed with two areas of atypical lobular hyperplasia in my left breast. I have an excisional biopsy scheduled for next week to remove those areas but to also look for any cancer. I am trying to find solace in that they have not found any cancer yet, but I do understand there is a 20% chance they may find something with this next biopsy. My question is what is the likelihood that if they do find something, it would be further along than DCIS or LCIS? I do not have any suspicious masses (other than a 1 cm area of focus that was already biopsied) and lymph nodes looked good on imaging, so I’m really hoping that’s a good sign that I would not have a Stage I or beyond cancer. Is that realistic or is it just wishful thinking? Of course, I’ve been pretty anxious so positive vibes are appreciated




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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited March 2021

    Hi Greta. Sorry you find yourself here. My ALH was upgraded to LCIS on excisional biopsy. I’ve seen that about 20% of the time there is an upgrade, but I have never seen a breakdown of that 20% as to further aypia, DCIS or invasive cancer. I think we would just be guessing as to your question about Stage 1, etc. Have they set a follow up appointment for post surgery yet? What day next week is your surgery?

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  • Greta71
    Greta71 Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2021

    Hi Melissa, my surgery is scheduled for 3/29 with a follow up on 4/9, though I'm assuming they will let me know the results of the pathology before then. I'm really hoping my chances of invasive cancer vs. LCIS, DCIS or more atypia is low but as I said, I know that might just be wishful thinking. I was somewhat comforted in that the MRI did not turn up more than one area that was already biopsied, but I realize it's all conjecture at this point. It's important for me to tell myself that even if they find cancer, it is most likely at a very early stage and treatable. I'm not trying to lie to myself and want to remain realistic though! Can I ask what treatment you ended up receiving for your LCIS? My doc is already recommending Tamoxifen regardless of the outcome from the next biopsy.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited March 2021

    I’m just doing more frequent monitoring. I couldn’t take tamoxifen or raloxifene because I had a PE when I had ovarian cancer and have chosen not to take an aromatase inhibitor at this time-don’t want to have to take another drug for bone loss or have the AI make my cholesterol higher.

    Hang in there, and I’m hoping you are in the 80

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  • LivinLife
    LivinLife Member Posts: 1,332
    edited March 2021

    I want to welcome you Greta! I wish you the best as you gain more information....

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