Atypical Neoplasm? Calcifications?

I am 44 years old. Just had my annual mammogram. Was called back because the Radiologist didn't like some calcifications he saw on the mammogram, but after several additional pictures decided they looked benign and recommended follow-up in 6 months. In that same second visit, I also had an ultrasound on the breast in question, I assumed because I had a new fluid filled cyst (I have had 3 previous cyst aspirations in the last 9 years). On the ultrasound, the tech found 2 smaller cyst that appeared to contain some mass. The radiologist came in and said he didn't like how they looked and recommended I return and try to aspirate and possibly biopsy if they didn't aspirate. He also said based on how the aspiration and/or biopsy went he might recommend a more aggressive approach to the calcifications. Returned the next week for a try at aspiration, one aspirated and one did not, so I had a core needle biopsy on that spot. Up until the biopsy I wasn't too worried, but now I did begin to become concerned.

Now the pathology report is back...Multiple Cross Sections of Dilated Ducts with Intraductal Atypical Papillary Neoplasm - Detached Fragments of Papillary Neoplasm as well as Fragments fo Cribriform Atypical Ductal Proliferation - Recommend Complete Excision.

At first I was told my condition was considered pre-cancerous and was sheduled to see the breast surgeon in 9 days. Today they called back and needed to reschedule me another 8 days out. When I expressed concern over waiting, I was told that my condition was benign. So I pressed and said, well if it is benign, why do I need surgery at all? I was then told my condition was something that was high risk, but would not progress quickly enough that an additional week would matter. This was all based on the biopsy pathology report, but I keep wondering if I should be further concerned when considering the calcifications. I tend to believe them that waiting 2 weeks to see the surgeon won't adversly affect my physical condition, but it sure is affecting my mental condition!

Can anyone enlighten me as to exactly what this pathology means and do the calcifications raise the level of concern at all?

[skinnyminney]

It is a mentally painful experience.  I do not think that they (hospitals) understand how stressful the long wait is.  Keep hopeful and I would ask for some anti-anxiety medication,  I have been waiting for almost two months (four days short of) and it has been mentally draining and brutal.  I wish I had some medical advice, but I am ignorant to this process that we have been thrown into.  I will keep you in my prayers.

[skinnyminney]

It is a mentally painful experience.  I do not think that they (hospitals) understand how stressful the long wait is.  Keep hopeful and I would ask for some anti-anxiety medication,  I have been waiting for almost two months (four days short of) and it has been mentally draining and brutal.  I wish I had some medical advice, but I am ignorant to this process that we have been thrown into.  I will keep you in my prayers.

[T_Anne]

Thank you so much for your kind words. I almost asked for anti-anxiety medicine last week, but decided to try to handle it without. I may give in yet.

What have you been waiting 2 months on? Surgery?

[skinnyminney]

I have been waiting just four days shy of two months for a biopsy;  first mammo performed on Dec 10; then return for second mammo (had to wait for previous mammo to come in for review) then returned on Dec 21; confirmed no previous pleomorphic calcifications on 05 mammo; then to schedule appt with breast surgeon; then to wait for hospital for placement on list for surgery/biopsy.  I now am so excited that I can finally get this going to get results;  I am sure that will not be a good thing if it comes back bad, but I think it will come back benign, (hoping anyways); I have put it in God's Hands.  I will keep you advised as soon as I hear anything.  Thanks.

[T_Anne]

Wow, I can't believe it took that long to get you in for a biopsy. I had my first mammogram one a Wednesday, the second just a week later and the core needle biopsy 6 days after that. I see the surgeon on Feb. 14 to schedule the lumpectomy. So I am thinking it will be about 6 weeks from start to finish.