florid ductal hyperplasia and surgery

[Rita2001]

I found a small mass in my left breast just above the nipple about 4 weeks ago - went to my obgyn who ordered and ultrasound. The ultrasound showed one solid mass (~6mm) accompanied by ~3 smaller masses. Biopsy of the largest mass came back with the diagnosis of florid ductal hyperplasia with no atypia. My radiologist suggested we leave it alone and schedule a follow up ultrasound in 6 months. But about an hour later my obgyn called and said she'd consulted with a second oncologist (a surgeon) who recommended that the mass be removed entirely (surgically). My mother and her mother both had breast cancer in their post menopausal years, but I don't have any other close female relatives that can be used to assess my history. I've read a lot of info online that says surgery is not necessary in my situation....I'm curious to hear from folks who have experience with this so I can make a better informed decision about surgery.

[japdip]

I wouldn't necessarily call it two different opinions about the surgery. Radiologists see things differently based only on what they see on film. Often they do not know the complete history of each patient and therefore might not recommend surgery at this time. As I said, under ordinary circumstances I feel the re-check in 6 months was a valid one EXCEPT for the fact of your family history of BC. It sounds like you have connected with a very good Surgeon and I hope things go well for you. Take care now.

[Rita2001]

Thanks - I'm definately leaning that direction and the surgeon that I've been referred to has a really good reputation. But I've had quite a few frustrating interactions with doctors in the past, too much information for here, but lets just say my trust level is nonexistent. Getting two different stories from the doctors I've worked with over the past week doesn't help this situation much. For me, more information from folks who've been in my shoes would be super helpful.

[japdip]

I suppose you can look at this in two ways BUT it does increase your risk of developing Breast Cancer by 1.5 to 2. With your family history which of course is another risk factor it would most likely be wise to surgically remove this area now rather than all the waiting and watching from now on .... which would be at least every 6 months or possibly more often. If you had no other risk factors such as your family history I might say "wait and watch" but that isn't the case so I'm on the side of the Dr.s who say "operate". The procedure should be a rather simple one with a quick recovery time. Regards ....