Open Surgical Biopsy

[CTD11]

Hi,
I just went for my first routine mammo (age 49) and was told I had some suspicious calcifications.  Then sent me for a stereotactic biopsy.  I was called and told there was no cancer, but they I should have a open surgical biopsy since there were atypical cells.  I do not have any mass or lumps, and was told repeatedly that there was no cancer and there would be no need for any radiation or chemo.  Can anyone shed some light on what is going on?  Why another biopsy then?  Should I be concerned or is this just a proactive treatment?

[CTD11]

Thanks for your support

[zouzi]

Yes I have heard that not all cases need radiation.
Your surgeon will confirm if you really need it or not, depending on your final pathology report.
Wishing you the best of luck!

[CTD11]

Sorry, I have one more question.  You mentioned radiation, but the radiologist specifically said "you will not need radiation".  Have you heard of this procedure being done without needing radiation?

[zouzi]

You welcome,
Typical treatment following surgery,would be radiation as well as hormone therapy ( like tamoxifen or other similar drug).
But,of course your Surgeon will be better able to assist you with what options are best in your situation,since he/she will have all the details on your final pathology report after the surgery.
It's really impossible to tell when your surgery will take place.Your Surgeon will  be able to let you know when you'll meet for consultation.
Usually it doesn't take too long.
Hoping that everything will go smoothly for you.
Take care...

[CTD11]

Thank you again.  It helps to have some feedback or just someone with knowledge of what is happening.  Do you have any ideas on the typical treatment following this kind of surgery?  Do you know if the surgery is usually right after the consultation, or should I expect another several weeks?

[zouzi]

Hi again,
If your first biopsy on the calcification stated that the findings are benign,then the odds are in your favor that the excisional biopsy will also reveal that these abnormal cells are just that..abnormal and hopefully nothing more.
Your Surgeon will plan the appropriate treatment for you following the surgery, which is a simple out patient procedure.Many women can go back to work the next day,as long as their job is not too strenuous .However it's best to rest for a couple of days or more if you need to.
Please don't worry,you'll be just fine.... and remember that you don't have breast cancer.
Surgery and treatments are very important so that you can have peace of mind knowing that the risks of breast cancer are eliminated.
All the best to you! :)

[CTD11]

Thank you so much for your reply.  They told me after the stereotactic biopsy that they "got" all the calcifications.  Do I need to be nervous that this second procedure will come back with a different diagnosis, or is this simply a step remove the abnormal cells.  Can I have peace of now and/or mind once this is done??  I have to wait a whole month before I even have the consultation.  I have always been very healthy so I am very nervous about all of this.  I am not even sure if I should be discussing any of this with my work, or if this is just going to be an in and out procedure and then behind me.  I appreciate any feedback.

[zouzi]

Hi,
Glad to know that your biopsy results are benign.
However"Atypical hyperplasia" is a precancerous condition that affects cells in the breast.
Atypical hyperplasia describes an accumulation of abnormal cells in a breast duct (atypical ductal hyperplasia) or lobule (atypical lobular hyperplasia).
Over the course of your lifetime, if these "atypical" cells keep dividing and become more abnormal, your condition may be reclassified as carcinoma in situ or noninvasive breast cancer.
If you've been diagnosed with atypical hyperplasia, you have an increased risk of developing breast cancer in the future. For this reason, doctors recommend to have these abnormal cells removed and may also advise other strategies to reduce breast cancer risk.
If I were you,I would certainly want to have these abnormal cells taken out of my body and have peace of mind.
Take care and best wishes....