Atypical Hyperplasia Pathology

[alleycallie]

Three days ago I had a breast core biopsy because of a small area of microcalcifications. I had a call today from my surgeon saying the slides had been sent on to a lab in California for further stains and for a second opinion. The first local report was atypical hyperlasia. What do further stains show? Thanks for this excellent website and for your response.

[Joncee]

I have been taking Tamoxifen for 3 years for atypical hyperplasia and dense painful breast.  My sister was diagnosed with Stage I invasive ductal carcinoma this year.  I am scheduled to have a prophylactic mastectomy on both breast next month.  I would like to hear from anyone who has had this procedure as a breast cancer preventitive.  By the way, after 3 years, the hot flashes have gone away.

[Rfrancis]

I'm taking tamoxifen for ADH. The things you read about "out there" can be very scary. And I have second guessed myself several times,but I have always thought if the side affects become too much, I can always stop taking the tamoxifen. My biggest problem with the tamoxifen is the "hot flashes" but it beats the alternative.
Just remember this is a personal choice. Good luck.

[Rfrancis]

I'm taking tamoxifen for ADH. The things you read about "out there" can be very scary. And I have second guessed myself several times,but I have always thought if the side affects become too much, I can always stop taking the tamoxifen. My biggest problem with the tamoxifen is the "hot flashes" but it beats the alternative.
Just remember this is a personal choice. Good luck.

[furby]

I was diagnosed with AH, and my oncologist suggested that I be put on Tamoxifen for 5 years.  I would like to know if anyone else is taking this for AH.  I do not like the side effects I have read about for this medication.  Is there another alternative other than Tamoxifen?

[alleycallie]

Thanks for your response, and good luck with your insurance. If you continue to have problems with them, try patientadvocate.org

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Alleycallie, Further stains on a pathology are usually to identify characteristics of the abnormal cells that cannot be seen directly under the microscope but can be measured with sophisticated molecular tests.  They could be checking hormone receptors, trying to figure out how rapidly the cells are dividing, how abnormal they are etc.  This is likely trying to be on the safe side in terms of what should be recommended for follow-up care.

[osgrl]

almost the same thing happened to me in july. i had a lump that was removed and tested and they told me florid adenosis & atypical hyperplasia and sent it to california for further stain testing. after that came back, my dr has recommended a subcutaneous mastectomy because i am only 24. he said this is really serious considering my age and it didnt show up on mammogram or ultrasound. but, my insurance is being difficult about precertifing it. my dr explained the atypical hyperplasia as inside the duct these cells are forming layers and when they
"break out" it is cancer. if anyone else can help us on this, please do. and let me know how your test comes back and what your dr says.