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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
how high is my risk factors
Answered by
Cleveland Clinic - Breast cancer
Cleveland - OH
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
how high is my risk factors
by cat1961, Oct 11, 2009 06:12PM
i dont know all the details yet my follow up appt. is in 4 days. i had 2 mammograms / 2 ultrasounds due to nipple retractation and flattening of my upper R breast. I have a enlarged lymph node in my armpit on opposite side that appeared benign(2 rating) I cannot have MRI due to a spinal implant.Dr decided to do excisional biospy and all i know at this point is no cancer but atypical hyperplaysia. I am 48 -2 1/2 years post menapausal i took HRT for 5 years still have extremely dense breast,i use to have fibrocystic breasts terribly before menapause but not now and no cysts on ultrasound.I smoked for 30 years I didnt nurse my 2 child ,started my periods at 11 began experiencing menapause symptoms at 36 I have sojgrens syndrome a autoimune disease that drs believe led to the premature ovarian failure.i have read that breast MRI is a way they often screen and follow you with this what are the chances i could develop cancer with only mammogram follow up,what about the swollen lymph node by opposite breast.do they ever do preventive masectomy? this dosent totally freak me out cancer does? advice please
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Oct 12, 2009 02:58PM
, Oct 12, 2009 02:58PM
Dear cat1961, Atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) is a condition in which there is an overgrowth of cells within the duct and the pattern of their growth is atypical. It is not cancer or precancer but its presence is considered to increase a person's risk for developing breast cancer in the future. Decisions regarding how best to follow up for breast cancer will be based on what the findings of the testing, and what might be most appropriate for the individual. In your situation where MRI is not an option, that does not mean that there is nothing that can be followed by other testing such as mammogram and or ultrasound. Follow-up is best discussed with your doctors who have seen your films and test results and can discuss with you the best method of following. The decision to do prophylactic (preventive) mastectomy is a very personal one. There is no absolute set of circumstances in which this is the only option. You might benefit from a conversation with a breast specialist who can discuss pros and cons as they relate specifically to you and help you to arrive at the best possible decision.
