METAPLASIA - What is it?

Had results but having to go back for another bipsy in two days and surgery scheduled for 1 Oct.  They said they did not find cancer cells so they need to do another biopsy covering a larger area but did find Metaplasia but I have no idea what this means?  They even discussed taking Nodes out.  I was orginally told the worst would be just a lump op and now they have moved on to discuss nodes being removed - so confused!

[japdip]

Metaplasia means that cells are found that are not normally found within a particular organ. In other words ... cells other than the cells that are normal to the breast. It wouldn't be unusual to sample one or more nodes at the time of an excisional biopsy or lumpectomy such as you mention. Keep us posted ...

[DaisyDo]

Thank you for your reply.  Would Metaplasia found indicate there IS an early cancer? or can you have Mataplasia and NO cancer?  They are talking about the Cancer route but have not given me a definate answer yet

[japdip]

It wouldn't necessarily mean cancer ... if it were stated as "Atypical Metaplasia" it might indeed increase your risk. The reason they haven't given you a definite answer yet is because there isn't one ... they are being very vigilant and I'm sure the additional biopsy will give you a conclusion to this problem. Regards .....