Unusual cells in biopsy

[breastpain1]

Had an excisional biopsy Monday on my right breast on a palpable mass that was not detected on a diagnostic mammogram or an ultrasound. Doctor said he wasn't worried--thought it was related to my fibrocystic breast issues.  Preliminary pathology report came in and now according to the doctor "they think it might be a cancer" so they are doing more tests--some sort of "stain" he said. He said that the cells were unusual...and that is probably why he didn't recognize the tumor...whatever that means. (as soon as he said cancer I basically lost my concentration)  Now I am waiting for his call today but am terrified.  I am 44--had a history of a benign schwannoma in my carotid artery five years ago.  If the cells are so unusual, does that mean it is a WORSE cancer or is there a chance that it could still be an cancer easy to deal with or even better a benign condition?  Please give advice.  And thank you for doing this.

[Marbelt]

Hello, I understand you completly I had a painful lump of my left breast removed last September and was told it was a very rare cancer it was ACC the same as you, I had 5 weeks of radiotherapy and have been fine. I hope and I pray that you will be as well.
Yesterday I had a ultrascan of my pelvis cause I've got a persistant back ache and heavy periods and was told I had a 3.5cm cyst on my right ovary, I might be paranoid but I'm worried it could be back and seeing I can't seem to find any info on ACC its very hard to put my mind at rest.

[boninclyde]

I hate to keep repeating myself on this forum but I do so in hopes to help. This is a great site but we can't always answer your questions. Please go to breastcancer.org. Go to community support and join the discussion board. Look through the site. I am sure someone there can help you with your questions. I wish you well.

[breastpain1]

Ok--this is a rare one and I am cried out and trying to get some knowledge here. I was finally diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the breast, which is about as rare as it gets, but from what I have read, somewhat "curable."  If anyone has any insight into the prognosis of this, I would appreciate it. I want to be informed as possible.  Also, the only thing that I am now realy scare about is that it could have already metastesized...I have had hip pain for years but my back hurts this week so my mind is running wild.  

Anyone know ANYTHING about this rare breast cancer?

[breastpain1]

Thanks for all the answers to my concerns. I still do not have an answer but had a great weekend with my family and although I am not eating much, I am sleeping ok and know tomorrow I will find out or at least get some time with my doctor.  I am going to switch surgeons if needed, for the fact that he didn't call when he said he was going to, but also because I live in a small town and have a pretty high profile job (high school principal) and know way too many people who are reading my charts.  Anyway, Twocapes--I am amazed you too have a schwannoma!  When I had mine removed six years ago, I asked the doctor if this wierd tumor indicated that I would be at higher risk for cancerous tumors and he hestitated and said the research doesn't show it, BUT obviously my body likes to do wierd things with its bloodcells.  I had to go to the University of Michigan med center to have mine removed--mine was found behind my tonsil and took about a month to diagnose.  One thing they did tell me is that many schwannomas come in pairs and they asked me over and over again if I had any other areas of concern.   What kind of cancer did you have?  I can't tell you how much I admire cancer survivors--you are all heroes to me for your courage and your spirit of helping others.  Perhaps we could email apart from this forum?  

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear breastpain1:  Unusual cells can mean many things, both benign and malignant.  Unfortunately, the only way to really know is through the pathology testing.  Sometimes, when specimens turn out different than expected, additional tests (stains etc) may be done to help figure out what the abnormality might be.  These can take more time because they are not done initially and sometimes the answer to one leads to doing another.  More testing does not necessarily mean worse.  If there is a lot of uncertainty, slides can be sent to another lab for a second opinion.  Sometimes this is initiated by the pathology lab but if you are concerned, you could have this done as well.  

[breastpain1]

I meant to address the above comment to twocapes

[Twocapes]

How awful to have to wait so much longer than anticipated.  I am a 3-1/2 year breast cancer survivor and had to have a follow-up mammogram at a different facility in a different state.  They knew my history and after taking the films, said I would hear from them in 10 days to two weeks!!!  I was used to an answer before I left.  I threw a fit - ended up calling the office manager and writing a nasty letter.  I did get the results in 7 days but even that is too long after having had breast cancer.  Ironically I also have a benign schwannoma that is being watched for the past 5-1/2 years.  It is on a cranial nerve near my brain stem and has not grown much in that amount of time and is not causing any symptoms so I will continue with my wait and watch for now.  My best wishes to you - let us know how you make out and I would definitely let your doctor know how upset and anxious you were.

[breastpain1]

My doctor was going to call today with the results and when he hadn't called by early evening, I called the office and the secretary said he wouldn't be in until Tuesday!!!  She said even if my report was there, she couldn't go over it with me, which I understand. However, I am left to worry four more days--after he said he would call. So any advice out there would be mighty helpful to this freaked out mom!

[boninclyde]

I would not except anything less than an answer. Someone in the office should be able to give you some info.   My cancer was grade 3. Sometimes the more agressive the cancer is the more better it responsed to treatment. Are you seeing a breast speacialist? If not please get to one and make someone in the office answer your questions. I know this is the weekend but I would even call the emergency number for an answer.  I am not the doctor here just someone trying to ease your mind that has had breast cancer herself.