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Multiple Biopsies II
What exactly is complex sclerosing adenosis? Also, see Multiple Biopsies posted 5/16/03. Thank You, cjr
Dear cjr:
A fibroadenoma is a smooth lump found in the breast. They are harmless in themselves and about 50% will disappear within 5 years. Another type of fibroademoa is a complex fibroadenoma. It is complex because not only were the glands and surrounding tissue in the lump (as usual) but the women also had microscopic entities such as sclerosing adenosis or apocrine metaplasia. These fibroadenomas serve as a marker for the possibility of developing cancer in the future - they are not cancer in themselves. It represents a 1-1.5 increase in relative risk.
Specifically,
Adenosis, an increase in the number of acini within lobules, occurs frequently as part of fibrocystic change.
Sclerosing adenosis includes an additional proliferation of myoepithelial cells associated with a very small increased risk for subsequent breast cancer development.
A fibroadenoma is a smooth lump found in the breast. They are harmless in themselves and about 50% will disappear within 5 years. Another type of fibroademoa is a complex fibroadenoma. It is complex because not only were the glands and surrounding tissue in the lump (as usual) but the women also had microscopic entities such as sclerosing adenosis or apocrine metaplasia. These fibroadenomas serve as a marker for the possibility of developing cancer in the future - they are not cancer in themselves. It represents a 1-1.5 increase in relative risk.
Specifically,
Adenosis, an increase in the number of acini within lobules, occurs frequently as part of fibrocystic change.
Sclerosing adenosis includes an additional proliferation of myoepithelial cells associated with a very small increased risk for subsequent breast cancer development.
literally it means scar tissue formation along with extra glandularity in the breast. It's one of those gray areas that's not dangerous itself, but may carry a slightly higher chance of cancer in the future. It means a person with it needs to be very regular about self exam, physician exam, and mammography. It means a pain in the neck because of extra concern and lumpiness; but the risk is not severe.
Dear Surgeon,
Thank you for the clearity. I have had a tendency to get frustrated and as a result I stop having regular check-ups. I have very large lumpy breasts. All needle aspitates end up being unsuccessful because they have all been solid masses which result in excisional biopsies. The swelling is finally decreasing from my most recent biopsy. '2' masses were removed this time 1)3 cm, 2)7 cm and understandably, my breasts are quite different in size now. Breast reduction has been suggested to me because of 'DDD' and back pain. I would love to get rid of the weight in the front but how long after biopsy should you wait? Is it wise, with so many biospies under my belt to even consider breast reduction? I can go a couple of years with the mammogram showing no changes and no palpable lumps and then something shows up on mammogram again or I have a new lump. 2 1/2 years ago I had a mammogram that was so concerning to the surgeon that he told me that it looked like I had breast cancer but not to worry too much until we found out for sure. Well that surgeon ended up having to make a trip to India so I was referred to another surgeon. That surgeon told me not to worry about it. Now I was thinking, who am I to believe? Well he did an excisional biopsy to relieve my anxiety and the diagnosis was 'complex sclerosing adenosis' and something else but i can't find my pathology report. Please look at my comment on 5/16/03 it also has pathology interpretation from previous biopsies. Thank for the reply. This is a great service that you provide to women who have concerns!
Thank you for the clearity. I have had a tendency to get frustrated and as a result I stop having regular check-ups. I have very large lumpy breasts. All needle aspitates end up being unsuccessful because they have all been solid masses which result in excisional biopsies. The swelling is finally decreasing from my most recent biopsy. '2' masses were removed this time 1)3 cm, 2)7 cm and understandably, my breasts are quite different in size now. Breast reduction has been suggested to me because of 'DDD' and back pain. I would love to get rid of the weight in the front but how long after biopsy should you wait? Is it wise, with so many biospies under my belt to even consider breast reduction? I can go a couple of years with the mammogram showing no changes and no palpable lumps and then something shows up on mammogram again or I have a new lump. 2 1/2 years ago I had a mammogram that was so concerning to the surgeon that he told me that it looked like I had breast cancer but not to worry too much until we found out for sure. Well that surgeon ended up having to make a trip to India so I was referred to another surgeon. That surgeon told me not to worry about it. Now I was thinking, who am I to believe? Well he did an excisional biopsy to relieve my anxiety and the diagnosis was 'complex sclerosing adenosis' and something else but i can't find my pathology report. Please look at my comment on 5/16/03 it also has pathology interpretation from previous biopsies. Thank for the reply. This is a great service that you provide to women who have concerns!
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