QuestionQUESTION: I have had a stereotactic core biopsy of cluster of calcifications in the upper inner left breast.
The final diagnosis: change with hyperplasia and focal atypical micro-papillary hyperplasia and microcalcifications. Can you please explain in lay man terms what this means.
Also, Pathology diagnosis notes atypia and surgical excision is recommended.
I saw my surgeon today and she examined me but couldn't feel any lump.
I need a second opinion as I don't want to do unnecessary surgery.
ANSWER: Based on your report this is not (yet) a cancer but may have the potential to develop into one. So I agree with the conclusion of the report that the lesion should be excised surgically. That is NOT unnecessary surgery! That should be done regardless of if your doctor can feel any lump or not! Since your lesion could be found stereotactically based on your mammographies I do not think it will be impossible to find by surgery either. It may even have been marked with a titanium wire during your core biopsy. Good luck!
You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 There is no restriction to the number of questions there.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Dear Dr. Nordquist,
Thanks for your response. Obviously, I am very concerned about surgical excision due to disfigurement/mangled breast for something that's not cancer (yet). Are there any other options instead of excision for example mammogram on a 6 month basis to see if there are any changes or another biopsy.
Thanks for your advice. It's very much appreciated.
AnswerNo, I can not give you any other professional advice than to have a surgical excision! Why? because it is the very best solution for you! This surgical procedure is small. The risk of any disfigurement is minimal and if you leave your lesion in place and it develops into a cancer then you will have a real risk of disfigurement due to the surgical procedures that will be necessary in such a case and the risks to your life will increase as well! So honestly in your reasoning you put the cart in front of the horse. I'm sorry that I have to be frank and blunt but I'm here to give correct advice and to tell the truth not to sugarcoat things or create illusions. Cancer is a potentially deadly disease. The time to eliminate something that may develop into a cancer is before such a development has happened NOT after the fact if possible because then your risks and the magnitude of necessary therapy procedures increase enormously. For your own sake I hope I have made my point clearly enough?! Good luck!
You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 There is no restriction to the number of questions there.
