Should I be worried?

[concerend2009]

I'm 38 yrs old.  I recently had 3 core needle biopsies done.  Findings were a. right breast irregular mass:  Fibroadenoma, focal usual ducatal hyperplasia; b. Right breast mass: Intraductal papilloma with usual ductal hyperplasia and focal mild atypia, Focal fribroadenomatious change; and c. Left breast mass:  sclerosing intraductal papilloma with usual ductal hyperplasia and focal mild atypia.  I also have dense breast.  Prior to the biopsies I had 2mammograms and then an ultrasound.  The findings mention several "intraductal masses" in different locations found in both breasts (8 in all), however they only biopsied 3 of the masses.  I was told that when atypia is found in papilloma they like to have a surgical excision.  I have to do an MRI first and then i will be referred to a breast specialist.  Is it possible that after the excisions the masses can come back as something more?  What are the chances that the other "intraductal masses" are papillomas with atypia as well?  Do they ALL have to be removed?  Will a Breast MRI help determine that?  Why do an MRI?  These are questions that I could not spit out when the doctor asked me "do you have any questions?"  

[japdip]

I would definitely urge your Sister to have some screening done rather than wait. Age makes no difference in cases such as yours; especially since your Mother is also involved. BCRA might also be advisable .... if your Mother were positive then you girls would be also. Closer vigilance is definitely in order here.   Regards ....

[concerend2009]

Thank you so much for your response!!  I've been consumed with the "what ifs" since they will biopsy the entire mass now and not just what was taken by the core needle biopsy.  I guess there is still a chance it can come back as something more but a greater chance its nothing.  I do feel a bit more at ease after reading some of the posts concerning papillomas (even those that had atypia).  Also concerned that the other intraductal masses were not biopsied and were in several different locations...should they be biopsied....should they also come out??  I will definitely take your advice and BRING A LIST and a second person since I tend to get like a deer in headlights once the doctor speaks!  MRI scheduled for Monday and then the breast specialist.  Lets see what happens!  Also since they found these abonormal cells in me and my mother also has them...should i push my sister to get checked sooner rather than later?  She's 34 and only has another year to go before her baseline mammo...but still just wondering if i should push.  

[japdip]

Papillomas are usually benign but can also be malignant. You are correct that when atypical cells are found, excision is most often recommended. I would think that since a surgical procedure will be done that all will be removed; removing the possibility of more surgery in the future as well as close observation. MRI is a valuable tool when the breast tissue is particularly dense as it is a more sensitive type of imaging. May I suggest that you write your questions and concerns down on paper and take it with you when you see the Breast Specialist. Our minds tend to wander at such times and we need a list !!  Also I always recommend that you take someone with you to "hear" what you "miss". 4 ears are better than 2 in these situations.   Regards ....