Tamoxifen

[richrona]

I met with a highly recommended oncologist this week who told me unless I treat my ADH with Tamoxifen it will turn into DCIS and then Invasive Cancer.  Is this true?  From all that I have read and heard, for some people all they have to do is watch the area and follow-up with mammos, ultrasound, etc.  My oncologist is also sending me for an MRI w/contrast.  He is worried because some of my ADH is not associated with calcifications.  Is this more dangerous than ADH associated with calcification?  I keep telling myself that I do not have cancer and that things could be a lot worse.  However, I worry about the future and future surgeries and biopsies that may be necessary. I appreciate any information you can give.

[japdip]

You are correct; you do not have cancer. Tamoxifen is becoming the preferred treatment for ADH in the hopes of further development. Many times the area of ADH is removed surgically and then treated with Tamoxifen. i don't think you are any different than any one of us thinking of what may come next and stressing about it. Breast MRI is a more sensitive type of imagery that can pick up additional findings that are sometimes missed with mammogram or ultrasound and is a valuable tool when dense breast tissue is an issue. Try not to think too far ahead to things that may never happen and follow the recommendation of your Oncologist. Kindest regards ....

[richrona]

Thanks for the words of encouragement.  I'm going to schedule the MRI for this month and hope for the best.  Congratulations on becoming the new Community Leader!