multiple findings in breast lump

[bindurr]

hi,
   I am a 39 year old woman. I had a segmental excision of left breast (3'o clock position) one month ago. The cut section was 6cmx4cmx1.5cm. Biopsy result shows cystically dialated ducts with epitheleal proliferation,apocrine metaplasia and lobular hyperplasia in a fibrous stroma.. The  small firm lump was there for almost 2 years with a pain feeling. Another lump is bieng felt just under my right armpit just after my surgery. I am worried . I am taking no medicine . Surgeon told me to do ultrasound every 3 months for two years. Will you please explain the findings in the biopsy result ?is this a benign or precancerous condition?is there any benefit by taking tamoxifen?  Please answer
                                                regards
                                                        bindu

[bluebutterfly2222]

I doubt waiting  a month for the surgeon you know and trust would make any great difference. But for your peace of mind, try to schedule an appointment now to see her soon after she gets back to work.

An existing palpable lump does not "turn to cancer." It is either benign or malignant, but may grow over time.

In regard to how you are feeling (tired and like a fever), have you notices any signs of infection? (Redness, new swelling, or pus from the incision?)  Have you checked to see if you are running a fever? If any of these are present, you should get in touch with your primary care physician.

I am sorry for the anxiety and worry you are dealing with...

bb

[bindurr]

hi,
   Thanks for your response.Thoughtful of you to ask me about the other lump.But my surgeon of  5 years has taken leave from the hospital for 1 month.Since she is familiar with my problems,i consider waiting for her to return.Am i making a mistake by not discussing with another surgeon?I hope the lump will not get worse by that time.Do you know the minimum period by which a lump can become malignat?After my surgery(2 month ago) i am feeling fatigue  and a slight fever like feeling still now.Is it ok?Thanks once again for your response.
regards....








s

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hello again,

When a lump is removed, the surgeon attempts to get  clear margins on all sides of it. Even if the biopsy has not shown a malignancy, it is not until the entire lump is examined by the pathologist that they can be 100% certain what is there, and that nothing was missed by the biopsy.  

By taking a large enough area, the need for additional surgery is reduced, should the full pathology report show something that was not expected from the biopsy.

I am not aware of a formal grading system in regard to hyperplasia, other than stating whether it is atypical hyperplasia, but I am not a medical professional. To get more information, you might want to ask your surgeon or the pathologist that question, or post it in the BC Expert Forum.

If a lump is considered benign, it is up to the individual whether to live with it or have it removed, depending on the amount of pain it is causing, how large it is, the person's tolerance for having it remain there, etc.

Did you decide to request an earlier appointment in regard to the issue with your other breast?  Please keep us posted on what you learn.

Best wishes...

[bindurr]

Thank you for your reply.I am much relieved now,
I was wondering if my lump has no malignancy,why they are taking so much tissue?Is there any grading for my lump with hyperplasia?
If a lump is making pain irrespective of menstrual cycles,it is better to remove that lump?
Please answer .Regards

[bluebutterfly2222]

The pathology report would have indicated if it were atypical hyperplasia, because that  would have indicated increased risk in regard to the future. It is not unusual to have different findings in the same area of breast tissue.

Since you are concerned about a separate issue with the other breast, it would make sense to get it checked out, even if the only outcome is peace of mind (priceless!).

Best wishes...

[bindurr]

Thank you for your reply.I am new to this site.Sorry for posting duplicate questions.
My biopsy is not saying if i got atypical or usual type hyperplasia. Is it a mistake in the biopsy result?Is it unsual to have different findings in one area of the breast tissue?.I am in confusion about what to do with the lump that is formig in the lateral breast.My next appointment is after 2 months.
                    

[bluebutterfly2222]

Apocrine metaplasia denotes a benign lesion that has no increased risk for the development of breast cancer. It is most commonly seen in the lining of cysts.  Hyperplasia means that cells are present in numbers more than would be normally expected.   The recommendation for close followup is appropriate.

Advice about taking any specific medication should be obtained from your physician.

Best wishes...