focal dysplasia

I am 55 years old and have family history of cancer (my mother had breast and colon cancer). My annual ultrasound result shows a solid mass on my right breast and I was sent for a biopsy.  But the dr. in the hospital refused to proceed because he said it was a poor target for biopsy and suggested MRI.  My surgeon insisted and another biopsy appointment was arranged for me a few weeks later with another dr.  His consultation report said it is a difficult target since there are many other similar areas in the region.  Nevertheless, he think the one in question is visible at 11:30, 2 cm from the nipple, as a vague, hypoechoic area.  It measures about 4 x 4 x 5 mm but has no vascular flow.  This was biopsied under ultrasound guidance.  He suspect it will prove to be focal dysplasia.  It will probable just require ultrasound guided follow-up in six month's time.  My diagnosis on the surgical pathology report said - breast tissue with fibrocystic changes and focal microcalcifications.   The surgeon advised that it is not cancerous and asked me not to worry, but suggested a follow-up in 6 months time.

My older sister (64 yrs old) also discovered hardening tissue on the lower part of her left breast (fairly extensive microcalcification (DCIS)) and her doctor has successfully removed all of the cancerous area.  However, the biopsy shows there are 2 very small bits of invasive cancer.   In order to absolutely sure that the cancer has not been spread to the lymph nodes, she needs another sentinel lymph note biopsy.

My question is:  what is focal dysplasia and the different between her case and mine?  Both of us has microcalcification.

Thanks
ningyee

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

Your biopsy read fibrocystic disease.  This is a benign breast condition that can be due to changes in the breast tissues as a response to residual female hormones (even after menopause).  Your sister have DCIS, which is a frankly pre-malignant condition.  This means that this can develop into an invasive cancer (which I think is already being suspected due to the small bits of invasiveness).  Fibrocystic disease is not a pre-malignant condition but it is still advised you continue with the regular check-ups and mammograms.

Regards and God bless.

[ningyee]

Thanks.  Could you also explain what "focal dysplasia" is?

Regards,
ningyee