Why so many tests?

For the last month I have lived from one test to the next. Mammogram, Digital Mammogram, Stereotactic biopsy and now an excisional biospy. With each one there is a wait and see peroid.... I'm about to go nuts! The stereotactic biopsy read the following Atypical ductal hyperplasia. Focal rigid arcade formation, with realatively monotonous population of small ductal cell. The arcade formation incompletely involes the larger ducts. In addition there are micropapillae. Determinant microcalcififcations are note in these areas. there appears to be duct ectasia. During the last biopsy the raidoligist asked me if I had an MRI of my breasts and suggested that I ask by Doctor for one... am I missing something here.

My Doctor say not cancer, but why do they keep testing I am having a hard time with waiting. I am presently helping my sister thru chemo for Stage III ovarian cancer and it is very hard not to be very frightend. She is 41 and I am 45. Doctor has suggested Tamoxofin, my OBGYN wants to remove my ovaries... I don't have a uterus... lost that at 29. Is there there something in the pathogy report that is odd.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear sisterone:  Atypical ductal hyperplasia is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.  The concern with a stereotactic needle biopsy is that the tissue tested is technically benign but if there are additional areas of concern, removing the whole area will provide the pathologist with all of the tissue to make certain that there are no cancer cells in any of tissue.  With your sister having ovarian cancer at such a young age, there may also be a concern for the presence of a gene in your family (specifically BRCA 1 or BRCA 2) that, if present, may further increase your risk.  In terms of recommendations, these will depend on the results of the excisional biopsy.  If there is no cancer, you might consider an appointment with a breast specialist as well as a genetic counselor who can more accurately determine your risk and provide options for prevention and/or surveillance.