Lesion benign; papillomatous features suggest surgery

The path report came back:  "There is compact nodular proliferation of florid adenosis associated with sclerosing duct hyperplasia seen in a background of fibrocystic changes with microcysts, apocrine metaplasia, stromal fibrosis and scattered adenosis.  Microcalcifications are present in benign ducts."  The Radiologist and Doctor suggest I speak with a Surgeon.  Am hearing this may develop into cancer.  What are the odds?  No family history, but fear the surgeon going in to remove this one will result in the first of many because of "scattered" findings according to the first radiologist.  Confused here and wouldn't a consultation with a surgeon be one sided?  Could I expect another approach from him/her besides going ahead with surgery?  Thank you.


This discussion is related to apocrine breast cancer.

[PaulMD]

Proliferative breast changes (such as in your situation) may increase your risk of developing cancer in the future by about 1.5-3X the risk of an average female.  It is very hard to express this in terms of percentage but it is suffice to know that you really need extra surveillance (regular mammograms, ultrasound, etc) to detect other breast changes.  From the pathology, I do not believe that the doctor will recommend outright surgery.  Other options will include close observation with surveillance as I've mentioned.

Regards.