Second Breast Biopsy in 6 months

[nanamary2jmj422]

This is new for me, so I will start at the beginning.  In August 2008, on annual Mammogram, they found microcalcifications in the right breast.  We did a biopsy, and the results were atypical ductal hyperplasia. We then had a surgical consultation and utimately removal of the tissue in question.  I just returned to have the six month follow up Mammogram done, and now we have more microcalcifications, and they want me to see an oncologist, and they asked about Tamoxifen?  I am educated, and have nursing knowledge, so all this is not totally foreign, but I keep reading things, and the problem I see, is that this should have been handled in a different manner.  Maybe before we removed the microcalcifications, the last time, they should have done an Ultrasound of my right breast at least, and possibly the left breast too.  What about the amount of exposure to the mammogram x-rays, I have had several repeat visits with this and I wonder about that.  A friend had this and they reccommende her to eliminate caffiene, and chocolate.  Again, I was never told this.  They  never told me the size, or scale, or any qualifies that I see  BRAC 1 or 2?

[psullivan51]

A related discussion, breast problems continued was started.

[japdip]

The reduction of intake of caffeine is usually recommended for Fibrocystic Breast Condition ... with ADH the standard is surgical removal often followed by Radiation and if ER/PR + then Tamoxifen for 5 years.  I'm somewhat surprised that the Oncology consult wasn't recommended at the time of your previous surgery. I'm sure your mammogram was bilateral so I don't really see the need for Ultrasound in addition to that. Microcalcifications are not nearly as well demonstrated as with mammogram. I know that mammogram is on the "increased risk list" but overall throughout our lifetime we are exposed to radiation from many other sources so I've always considered it less than minimal. We don't hesitate to have other X-rays when necessary and one always has to consider the risk as a necessary one. Since ADH is not cancer though often referred to as pre-cancerous it actually only increases your risk of developing BC in the future ... hence the removal and other treatment post-op.  I wouldn't think ADH would qualify you for Genetic testing since it is NOT cancer. I tend to agree with you about things being handled differently .... concerning the Radiation / Tamoxifen. The Oncology consult though a little late is on target for this next issue.  Regards ....