Atypical Ductal Hyperplasis

[sandylou2002]

The results of my recent breast biopsy showed Atypical ductal hyperplasia bordering on DCIS.  The tissue that was taken had a margin of only a millimeter of normal tissue at one edge.  The pathologist suggested another surgery.  The surgeon said that another surgery would increase my odds of not getting cancer,  but that I did not have to have the second surgery.  He also suggested that I might try Evista.  

I am concerned about the fact that the margin was very small.  I would like some advice on these issues.

Thanks,

Sandy

[sandylou2002]

Thanks so much for your response to my email.  I was very helpful.

Sandy

[co1214]

These two studies (one from mid '90s and one from 2002) show that margin width is probably the most important factor in recurrence rate.

http://theoncologist.alphamedpress.org/cgi/content/full/3/2/94#T2

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1769717

They were very helpful to me to get a better understanding of recurrence rate.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

For atypical hyperplasia and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), it is best that the margins are at least 5-10mm from the edges.  This would ensure that the recurrence will be low.  The best way to deal with a close margin is to do another resection procedure, with a wider margin.

Other forms of treatment post-operatively would include additional radiation therapy, or hormonal treatment with Tamoxifen or Raloxifene.  All of these additional treatments are aimed to lessen the chance of recurrence as well as prevent the future development of frankly invasive cancers.

Regards.