breast nodules

[mackenzi]

I was diagnosed last Sept. with ADH in left breast after a surgical biopsy. Over the last few months I went to the dr. with nipple discharge. It was not spontaneous but I had never experiened it before. I went for my mammogram last week and it came back normal thank goodness. I went to my surgeon and he went over the results withme. He told me I have a 3cm and a 6cm nodules of the left breast. The same one I had the biopsy on. He said this had shown up on the 1st mammogram and showed up again on this one. I had a diagnostic mammo. While I was there I also told him about pain I was having under my left nipple, he said if I contiue to have it we would investigate further. The pain is like a burning and hurts even if I hug my husband. I had a hysterectomy at age 26 because of complications. I still have my ovaries. I guess I am wondering how often do nodules turn into cancer, and with my diagnosis of ADH what are the percentages of nodules turning into cancer especially if in the same breast? The discharge that I had was greenish in color and a sticky feeling. The pain in my nipple comes and goes. My grandmother died of breast cancer, both granddads lung cancer, Mom had a melanoma in her leg, cousin now battling Mast. breast cancer. I know that is alot of info, thought it might help in answering my questions. Thanks!

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear mackenzi,  Atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) is a condition in which there is an overgrowth of cells within the duct and the pattern of their growth is atypical (not normal).  It is not cancer or precancer but its presence is considered to increase a person's risk for developing breast cancer in the future.  

Many women have some type of nipple discharge or fluid when their breasts are squeezed, and its normal. Squeezing the nipple sends message to the brain and the pituitary gland responds by increasing prolactin levels, which in turn produces discharge from the nipple. The discharge can come in a variety of colors – gray, green and brown as well as white. Some women are more prone to more discharge including women on; birth control pills, certain blood pressure medications or on major tranquilizers. These medications increase prolactin levels in the body. There is also certain life periods when a person is more likely to get discharge than others: there may be more discharge at puberty and at menopause than the years in-between. The time to worry about nipple discharge is when it’s spontaneous (comes out by itself without squeezing), keeps on happening,is only on one side, and/or if it is clear and sticky, like an egg white, or bloody.

Be sure to have a discussion with your surgeon who can put into context for you the various pieces of information about your situation (the nodules on the mammogram, results of the diagnostic mammogram, your symptoms of pain, discharge etc.), and make recommendations for any follow-up.

[mackenzi]

I forgot to mention that I am now 38 yrs. old.