Multiple foci of ADH, trying to conceive

[Connie388]

Hi All.

I am 30. I have multiple foci of Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia associated with microcalcification from a recent excisional biopsy.

I am trying to conceive right now. How should I do to monitor my breasts if I could get pregnant? Doctors seem only recommend clinical physical exams every 6 months and 'to have ultrasound when you feel a lump', not regular monitoring by any technical method. Mammogram will not be very applicable. MRI not either I suppose.

I'm afraid that my disease will progress very fast during pregnancy (if I could get pregnant in the first place). It will be such a dilemma if I have fast growing breast cancer while pregnant.

What can I do? Having two excisional biopsies since last Nov, I have two scars which could hide some changes in future because of scar tissue. I will do self-exams too, but doubt it could be effective. What else???

Sometimes I read that ADH is not pre-cancerous yet, while frequently I also read that ADH is definitely pre-cancer and it is quite likely to progress to DCIS and invasive breast cancer, especially the multiple foci type associated with microcalcifications as what I have.

Thanks for any input...

[japdip]

As a rule the entire area is surgically removed followed by radiation and possibly hormone therapy. ADH is often referred to as pre-cancerous but in fact it does increase your risk of developing breast cancer in the future. ADH isn't usually found by a lump but rather by microcalcifications seen on mammogram. I'm not sure how to advise you as this is quite a problem.  From what you say you only had the excisional biopsies and not a lumpectomy with clean margins and any other treatment. Before continuing to try to conceive I think I would want a second opinion on how to monitor your breasts safely since you've had two biopsies already.  Regards ....

[Connie78]

Please help me...