Is this a risk of being breast cancer

[bluigirl]

I am 34 yrs. old and have had surgical biopsies on both breasts over a 5 year span for intraductal papilloma.  About 2 weeks ago, I expressed a cloudy light green discharge from right breast....went to my PCM and she did a culture as well as an ultrasound of the nipple area.  The culture was positive for STREP (unspecified strep from unspecified site), was given pinicillan and the ultrasound report says nothing was found.  I have been given 2 referrals since, one to the surgical oncologist who performed my previous surgical biopsies and the other to an infection specialist.  Went to the infection specialist and had blood work done, they said there is no sign of infection.  I am concerned, VERY concerned....can you continue to get intraductal papillomas?  Is there something bigger here that I should be looking for?  Isn't the surgeon going to think I'm ridiculous for coming back ... AGAIN?  Help me understand what I am facing.

[bluigirl]

So, I went to the dr. and I basically got the reaction I expected....he said "strep in your breast?!"  he did his exam and says he doesn't feel a thing out of the ordinary and to come back in 3 months.  So, other than feeling like I wasted his time and embarrassed myself, I don't see the need to go back really unless I have a problem.

[japdip]

You're more than welcome and no way do I think you are "over-reacting". We have a right to know what's going on and someimtes it takes a tough attitude to get the answers; the "squeaky wheel" thing. I'll be waiting to hear what you find out on Tuesday.   Good Luck ....

[bluigirl]

Thank you so much for your suggestions and insight......for letting me vent as well.  I know it may seem like I am "over reacting" but it just makes no sense and is scarey to be going back to the surgeon every other year like I seem to be doing.  I go to the surgeon on Tuesday, not sure what will take place and am a little nervous.  Thank you.  

[japdip]

As a rule the "wait & watch" means a 6 month re-check and it's way past that from what I gather. I'd push for more investigation of this specific area ... since mammograms aren't so valuable in younger women due to the density of the breast tissue I'd consider MRI. If you haven't seen the Surgeon yet I'd really push the issue of this undiagnosed 5mm mass and demand an answer however it can be obtained.  Take care..

[bluigirl]

No, the mass was discovered in the mammo/ultrasound previous to my last biopsy due to intraductal papilloma and at that time and that seemed to be the only concern.  It was recommended that the mass be monitored for stability, hence my fear that maybe it has changed.

[japdip]

Was the 5mm mass in the Rt. breast ever biopsied ?? If this is your immediate concern you might request that a biopsy be done on that particular mass. Have you ever (or have your Dr.s) considered a breast MRI to possibly reveal more than is known already about the multiple findings ?? Just a thought ....

[bluigirl]

There were multiple papillomas (5) altogether in those previous biopsies. In 2005, I was referred to a surgical oncologist and I had a surgical biopsy for nipple discharge in my right breast which turned out to be intraductal papilloma.  In March 2007, I had the same procedure done on my right breast for the same thing.  My biggest concern is in a mammogram dated 2/12/2007, prior to the last biopsy for nipple discharge, there was a 5mm mass in the right breast @ 12 o'clock middle depth. This mass is hypoechoic.  The report also lists other cysts in both breasts but all benign. I am just nervous that this may be the result of something having changed with the mass noted before.  Make sense?

[japdip]

One intraductal papilloma does not increase your risk for developing breast cancer. Multiple papillomas however does increase your risk but only slightly. Anything that deserves attention will not be thought of as being ridiculous by any Physician. The worst thing a person can do is to become complaisant about any abnormal occurance in the breasts.   Regards ..