Do I need surgery?

[CADream71]

I got my breast biopsy results today: "fibrocystic changes with duct ectasia, stromal fibrosis, apocrine metaplasia, columnar cell change and extensive usual ductal hyperplasia, and small intraductal papilloma and scattered microcalcifications, negative for malignancy." My primary care physician is recommending I have surgery to remove the small papilloma. Is this necessary? Are there other non-surgical options?

[athena87]

Hi, i just read you had a biopsy done. I'm not familiar with this so I'm trying to learn as much as I can. My mother, 63, is scheduled for one after the weekend - her mammo came back as 'abnormal' and she had a sonogram done the other day, which focused on some scar tissue on both sides that is questionable. Being that the sonogram came back inconclusive, they need her now to take biopsy of both sides of breasts. Was it painful, the biopsy? What was the recovery like? She's terrified and was prescribed xanax for the procedure.

In the past, about 20 yrs ago, she had surgery for collapsed lungs on both sides, two years apart. I hope that is the scar tissue they are questioning and nothing serious. She has no symptoms, and during the sonogram, they asked her if she had any work done on her breasts and if she's experienced pain, and it's no to both. Did you have any symptoms, lumps??

And aside from what the biopsy was like for you, how was your recovery from it? And how long did the results take?And do they always call you with results? Thank you for your insight.

[zouzi]

Hi,
First of all I am glad that your biopsy resulted in benign findings…Congratulations!
In my opinion, your physician is right recommending the excision of the Papilloma, because not removing it can increase your risk of cancer down the road.  
The majority of these warts like growth on the lining of the duct are benign in nature, but the primary reason for removing the papilloma, (even if benign) is to be certain that cancer or pre-cancerous cells are not "hiding".
So the full pathology exam is the only and best ways to make certain that no malignant cells are present.
Please follow your doctor's recommendation if surgery has been recommended so it will be permanently gone. It is a minor operation, but of course it's your decision whether to have it removed or not. If you are not sure, it would be a good idea to consult a breast Specialist for a second opinion.  
Best wishes.