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ADH - Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia Questions about atypical ductal hyperplasia. |
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| 8/22/2011 | Last summer) a diagnostic mammogram and stereotactic core needle biopsy revealed that I had ADH. (I was 45 and had just had my first mammogram that spring.) I had surgery (that is, an excisional biopsy). At the post-surgical appointment with my surgeon, he mentioned Tamoxifen but did not push it when I declined the medication. He told me to continue having an annual mammogram. This July I was stunned when my diagnostic mammogram again revealed microcalcifications in the same breast. A needle biopsy confirmed my suspicion that they were ADH. How common is recurrence of ADH just one year later? I'm assuming that surgery will again be recommended. But what should follow surgery? Tamoxifen? Another medication? My obgyn has even mentioned genetic testing and prophylactic mastectomy. But our family history for breast cancer is not considered to be strong. (My mother's sister had breast cancer in her 40s, but there haven't been other instances of breast cancer in our family.) I should also mention that I have systemic lupus (for which I take Imuran and Plaquenil). How does lupus affect my situation? | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 8/23/2011 | Your breast may be trying to tell you something with the ADH x2. ADH is not breast cancer, but does put a woman at a high risker for developing breast cancer in the future. So please consider consultation at a Comprehensive Breast Center, where you will be seen by a team of breast experts. You should consult with a high risk breast specialist, (who will evaluate your own personal history as well as your family history, not just for breast cancer, but all cancers), for genetic counseling and possible testing. You should consult with a breast medical oncologist, who can advise you on risk reduction measures, which could include Tamoxifen. Please, at this juncture, do not proceed with a mastectomy. You need to talk with breast experts first, get a solid picture of your condition, and move forward with education, clinical research data and the recommendations of breast specialists guiding your decisions. If we can help, we would be happy to see you here @ JH. Call Sheila @ 443-287-BRST (2778). We would love to help guide you through this. Hope this helps, and best wishes! | ||
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