Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia- breast MRI?

[fp131]

I recently discovered a lump on my breast. After getting it checked by my dr., she had me get an ultrasound, which led to me getting a biopsy. The results from that were that it was a cyst, which they removed 80% of. But they identified in that area Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia. I understand that this is a high risk marker for cancer.

They want me to get a breast MRI as well as surgery to remove the remaining 20%.

I'm 22 years old and don't have health insurance. I'm not worried, but at the same time I don't want to do something this expensive that isn't necessary. After getting both an ultrasound and a mammogram, do I need an MRI? I've been told I should get one every year, and start mammograms earlier than normal. What else should I do to keep proactive about my situation?

[japdip]

The usual treatment for ADH is complete excision and sometimes additional treatment following surgery; radiation and possible hormone therapy. I
'm not quite clear as to why the entire area wasn't removed but this should be done. I'm not sure about the MRI .... if it is already known what it is and where it is I see no critical need for this additional testing but there may be reasons that I'm not aware of in your case.  ADH only increases you risk of developing breast cancer in the future but I wouldn't call it HIGH risk. Younger breast tissue tends to be dense and MRI is more sensitive and can discover abnormalities that the other types of imagery can't when this dense tissue is present. Monthly self exams and whatever other testing you and your Dr.s agree on is about all you can do to be proactive.   Regards ....