Understanding Pleomorphic Microcalcifications & Flat Epithelial Atypia: A Patient's Journey

Question
I had a mammogram on 3/27. Found abnormalities. Had a diagnostic mammogram the following week. Radiologist showed me a clusters of micro calcifications in the right breast. They were diagnosed as clusters of pleomorphic microcalcifications. Saw a breast surgeon who confirmed the microcal. in the right and found more in the left. Had a stereotactic core needle vacuum assisted biopsy.I was told no cancer, BUT they found Flat Epithelial Atypia, among other normal occurences. I am now scheduled for the excisional biopsy. What does this all mean? If no cancer where are the FEA coming from because I know they are related to cancer in an area. I don't have a Birad score except for a 4 after my diagnostic. What are your thoughts and my chances? Thank you!!!

Answer
So far no cancer has been found. The microcalcifications may indicate a cancer but are not a sure sign of cancer. So they may be there even without any cancer. The epithelial atypia indicates a process moving towards a cancer but probably not there yet. To do an excisional biopsy is routine procedure in this situation to make sure if any cancer is present. Probably not but I can not offer any guarantee. A cancer is possible but not very likely. Good luck!







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