Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.
We hope you find the information helpful!
| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Breast Biopsy Questions about the definition, risks and results of breast biopsy. |
2,995 |  |
| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 11/6/2011 | I'm 51 years old and have small, fibrocystic breasts, but no family history of breast cancer. After the appearance of microcalcification on a mammogram, I had a needle biopsy. My pathology report said: "The biopsies show few areas of fibrocystic change with focal florid ductal epithelial hyperplasia mixed with calcifications. A subtle intraductal papilloma is also identified. There is no evidence of malignancy. Correlate with clinical history and radiographic findings." Of course, I focused on the "no evidence of malignancy" part, but a breast surgeon was concerned about the "subtle intraductal papilloma". What is it, and is it really concerning? Can this have a genetic component to it? My two sisters have had identical biopsy reports to mine. | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 11/7/2011 | So no evidence of malignancy is wonderful... congratulations. A subtle intraductal papilloma is not cancer either. An intraductal papilloma is a tiny wart-like growth in breast tissue that grows inside your breast's milk ducts, and can sometimes break through a duct. They are benign tumors, and are made up of fibrous tissue and blood vessels. There is no genetic link to papillomas, and are failry common. It may be however, that need a further excision of this area that was core biopsied. Seek a consult with a breast surgeon @ a Comprehensive Breast Center. Hope thbis helps, and best wishes! | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.