Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) is a medical condition in which the cells that line the milk ducts of the breasts experience abnormal growth. This condition is not cancerous, but it can indicate an increased cancer risk for a woman. As a result, medical professionals usually recommend careful monitoring and follow-up in patients who have exhibited this condition in one or both breasts.

The term “hyperplasia” is used to describe any increase in the number of cells in a particular region. A number of things can lead to it, and the condition is often so benign that people don't even notice it. In other instances, the hyperplasia causes organ displacement, soreness, and other symptoms which make it noticeable. In the case of atypical ductal hyperplasia, the condition is usually diagnosed during routine mammograms.

Atypical ductal hyperplasia can appear on a mammogram.
Atypical ductal hyperplasia can appear on a mammogram.

On a mammogram, this form of hyperplasia shows up as a small deposit around the milk duct. A medical professional will usually ask to take a biopsy of the area to eliminate the possibility of a malignant tumor. When the biopsy confirms that the patient has atypical ductal hyperplasia, the healthcare provider may discuss a number of options with the patient.

Atypical ductal hyperplasia is a noncancerous condition in the breast ducts that may lead to cancer.
Atypical ductal hyperplasia is a noncancerous condition in the breast ducts that may lead to cancer.

The simplest option is to leave the site alone. Because this condition is not cancerous, it does not require treatment. However, medical professionals will usually recommend that their patients monitor their breasts carefully during monthly breast self exams, and patients may be encouraged to have clinical breast exams and mammograms on a more regular basis. By remaining vigilant, the signs of breast cancer can be caught early, if it emerges.

Patients of ADH are advised to conduct monthly breast self exams.
Patients of ADH are advised to conduct monthly breast self exams.

Some women choose to take prophylactic drugs if they develop atypical ductal hyperplasia, especially if their family members have a history of cancer. These drugs can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. More radically, a woman may opt for a preventative mastectomy. This is not a choice to be undertaken lightly, and it is generally only considered when a woman has a substantial family history of breast cancer along with other risk factors which elevate the probability of developing it.

ADH involves abnormal growth of the cells that line the milk ducts of the breasts.
ADH involves abnormal growth of the cells that line the milk ducts of the breasts.

By performing regular breast self exams and receiving recommend healthcare screening such as mammograms, women can identify hyperplasia and other health conditions early and make proactive choices about their health. Women should talk to their healthcare providers about recommended preventative health screenings.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon350733

I was diagnosed with ADH after a steriotactic biopsy in June 2013 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The biopsy was performed after a suspicious area was seen on a mammogram. It was a very harrowing experience because nobody seems to know exactly what to do with ADH and the medical professionals give inconsistent recommendations.

I was referred to a surgeon who said she could do nothing for eight weeks due to the hematoma the steriotactic procedure had caused. She seemed to be very relaxed and in no hurry to do anything and told me, "You do not have cancer" but "do need to have more tissue removed".

After eight weeks of hell, worrying and wondering what /why I need surgery if I don't have cancer, I was leaning toward a prophylactic mastectomy.

I decided to go for another opinion at MD Anderson, in Houston, Texas before doing something as drastic as the bilateral mastectomy. They repeated the mammogram and performed an ultrasound. They read the MRI and pathology slides already collected from the biopsy, and concluded there was no need to do anything other than a follow-up in six months. They reported that there was nothing to remove and could not understand why the first surgeon was planning surgery.

I am still confused over the surgeon's plan to remove part of my breast when all tests following the biopsy showed clean with nothing evident to remove. I will have to trust my instincts that the second opinion is the best for now. I can only go with the opinion that makes the most sense for now. The surgeon's argument for surgery seemed lacking in logic, or maybe she was just a poor communicator and did not present her argument well enough to convince me.

I am an RN and have been disgusted with the whole process related to this diagnosis and the horrible experience of the steriotactic biopsy. Who came up with the procedure that actually causes a delay in treatment? The argument for the steriotactic procedure is that it is less invasive than an excisional procedure. It is inhumane and I suspect the real truth is the hospitals encourage the use of the procedure due to the opportunity to make more money because of the greater number they can perform in a day. Good luck to all who are dealing with the uncertainty of what to do with this crazy thing called "ADH".

anon345094

I am looking for someone to talk to about their experience of having a bilateral and DIEP for reconstruction. I had vacuum needle biopsies that showed I have ADH cells. I have a lot of cancer in my family history, both my mom and dad's sides. My mom had a mastectomy when she was only 32, and the cancer spread through her whole body, including brain tumors and she died at only 35 years old. I am 43 now.

I also had genetic testing done and have a BRCA2 mutation. I was given the option to have MRI's every six months, breast checks every three to four months with my doctor and would also have to take Tamoxifen or one of those drugs, or to have the bilateral mastectomy and my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. I chose the surgeries. I do not want to worry and wait for cancer to develop.

I would appreciate it if anyone can share how the recovery went after these surgeries, or where I can find people who can share this with me. Thank you very much.

anon340427

I was diagnosed with ADH after a lumpectomy last year. It was recommended that I go on Tamoxifen to lessen my risk of breast cancer. To my knowledge it does not run in my family. However, after much personal research, I decided to go on the drug.

I did experience some side effects in the first three months: mood swings, weight gain, hot flashes, but none of them were severe enough to warrant going off the med. I am now 19 months in and I no longer experience those side effects anymore. I have lost 10 pounds through diet and exercise and I feel pretty darn good.

I want to encourage all of you who are worried about the Tamoxifen to not risk developing breast cancer because of a few temporary side effects. A competent MD will monitor you regularly.

bcoon811

I have had surgery for ADH. I had my right breast done in 08 and then had to have the left done last year. I have had so many problems this time around, with infection, inverted nipple and nerve pain. The same doctor did both surgeries.

She tried to fix the inverted nipple when she had to go in and debrede the area for the infection. It didn't work. That was in November. Now I'm having problems again. The inverted nipple bothers me a lot. It almost feels like it's getting infected again. Any suggestions?

Traycal

To the person below who wrote this. I totally agree and think I will opt for the double mastectomy. I don't want to worry and wonder every single year. Do you have any advice for me? I had a partial mastectomy to reveal ADH. No family history of breast cancer.

Today is day four after my bi-lateral prophylactic mastectomy with expanders. The first two days were a little uncomfortable, one night in the hospital, but since yesterday I'm feeling quite excellent, pain is managed with Ibuprofen only, and I walk on my treadmill several times a day.

In July I had a bleeding milk duct removed and they found ADH. I had "busy" breast which I could not check myself, lumpy and got a lot of call-backs after my annual mammograms, a considerable source of anxiety for me. Because of killer hot flashes, I have to take nature-identical hormone therapy, which increases my cancer risk considerably, and Tamoxifen would not work with that. Having worked in the medical field, so I decided to have them removed. Not for one second have I doubted that this was the right thing to do.

I cannot live in a cycle of worry and anxiety waiting for the shoe to drop. This is not for everybody, but my doctors were extremely supportive and confirmed that I was making the right decision. Pathology came back yesterday, and more ADH was found in both breast. Now I'm looking forward to putting it all behind me, and having new perky boobs, too.

anon233953

I was diagnosed with ADH after a core needle biopsy and partial mastectomy. I will meet with the oncologist next week to discuss anti cancer meds for five years. I do not want take anything. I take a one a day vitamin and am against taking anything. I am a drug rep, so you would think I am for meds, but I am not! Read the PIs on these drugs. Yikes! I am considering a double mastectomy and reconstruction. It sounds drastic, but I can't go every year holding my breath while I have a test run to see if these calcifications have turned into cancer. I need to live life to its fullest. I am only 40 with a five year old daughter. I don't want to be on drugs that causes mood changes. She wouldn't understand her Mommy being in a bad mood. Life is worth living and I want to live all of it!

anon222692

Today is day four after my bi-lateral prophylactic mastectomy with expanders. The first two days were a little uncomfortable, one night in the hospital, but since yesterday I'm feeling quite excellent, pain is managed with Ibuprofen only, and I walk on my treadmill several times a day.

In July I had a bleeding milk duct removed and they found ADH. I had "busy" breast which I could not check myself, lumpy and got a lot of call-backs after my annual mammograms, a considerable source of anxiety for me. Because of killer hot flashes, I have to take nature-identical hormone therapy, which increases my cancer risk considerably, and Tamoxifen would not work with that. Having worked in the medical field, so I decided to have them removed. Not for one second have I doubted that this was the right thing to do.

I cannot live in a cycle of worry and anxiety waiting for the shoe to drop. This is not for everybody, but my doctors were extremely supportive and confirmed that I was making the right decision. Pathology came back yesterday, and more ADH was found in both breast. Now I'm looking forward to putting it all behind me, and having new perky boobs, too.

anon189453

I was told two years ago that I had ADH. The cells were removed and I am on Evista with no side effects at all. I am 56 years old and went through the big "M" in 07. I am checked more often than the "normal" women would be as far as mammograms go.

There is no history of breast cancer in my family. I feel I have to take responsibility in doing the best I can to take care of my health by exercising, eating healthy and keeping my weight in check.

Sure, we have a higher risk, but no more so (I feel), than when we get in a car and hit the freeway. Oh, I'm not saying don't be concerned, I'm just saying not to let it consume you.

I work for a plastic surgeon and I see breast reconstructions all the time and it's definitely not to be taken lightly. Just do your best to take care of yourself and keep closely checked by your docs and most important, live your lives without wondering what's around the corner.

As far as docs are concerned, shop around and get the best one you can find and don't worry about their feelings if you aren't satisfied or want a second opinion. A good doc would want you to do so.

Smurph01

I too have been diagnosed with ADH after a core needle biopsy. I was referred to a surgeon who did a wire-guided partial mastectomy to remove the ADH cells and surrounding tissue. I am waiting for those results now.

I am 57, have no family medical history because I was adopted, have Type II diabetes and am overweight. My surgeon suggested going on Tamoxifen if the next results still show ADH. I am concerned about the side effects considering I have some partial blockage in carotid arteries.

I have only told a couple of family members about what I am going through, including my husband, who has been very supportive. But, I am finding this whole experience much more frightening that I expected. I am usually a very strong person, but was worried I was overreacting to the situation. Reading the many posts here has brought me some comfort in knowing that I am not alone in my feelings of despair and fear with this situation.

I wish you all peace and good luck. You are in my prayers.

anon169482

After having a bloody nipple discharge on my 49th birthday I was dx with Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia and Ductal Carcinoma In Situ after having a mammo, ultrasound and core bx. The doctor suggested removing a minimum 10 cm chunk to remove the cluster of calcification. She said that I would not need other treatment after that.

My mother had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation, and six years later, breast cancer was found in her other breast and she opted to have a bilateral mastectomy. Two of my father's sisters have had mastectomies as well.

Bilateral mastectomy? Lumpectomy? I am scared, scared, scared.

laurama

I was diagnosed with ATDh in 2008 and it's now 2011. I was offered Tamoxifen in 08 but decided not to take it but to wait and see. Every year since then, they see something new on the mammogram, like a milk or Calcium and a small cyst. Some calcification are still present because they were not all removed when they did the biopsy. I feel there shouldn't be anything at that site. Any suggestions? The doctor still wants to wait and see. This always scares me!

anon154109

see a surgeon and get it out. this just happened to me. I had the most awful stereotactic biopsy of two areas. then told I should go on tamoxifen. I am physician assistant. told breast radiologist I wanted it out. she hemmed and hawed. I spoke to the director of my surgery department (my chief of surgery). and he took it out. even though it is not a frozen section, the margins are clear.

who in their right mind wants to live with the fear of abnormal breast findings. not me. I am so glad it is removed. I would rather that and/or lumpectomy mastectomy with reconstruction than biannual mammos tamoxifen stereotactic biopsy and anxiety for the rest of my life. I am 54 single with three young adults. get a surgery consult. a breast surgeon and/or plastics.

anon137833

anon 59352, anon 64720: I was diagnosed with ADH in 2000, found during a mammogram. I had a biopsy and it came back negative. ADH resurfaced again in 2008, in both breasts, found during a mammogram, biopsied (both negative for cancer cells).

I was put on Evista in sep 2008, Check Evista side effects and ratings online. There are years of comments from women about their diagnoses and side effects. I have experienced some side effects but nothing that would make me stop taking it. I should be on it for five years or more.

I am a runner, work out at the gym, very active. I do have some joint pain but I can live with it, and other minor side effects. I am not one to take medicine but I hope it prevents me from getting breast cancer. My maternal aunt had breast cancer.

anon127195

I have an ICD-9 code of 610.8 for ADH

anon122723

I was told that a patient takes Evista for five years. I also was told I had ADH and they wanted to take it out and then, once out, it was described as DCIS. It was all very confusing and after a lot of indecision, the doctors told me I needed to have radiation rather than the Evista. I am going through the radiation now.

Neither option made me happy. Going from a first diagnosis of cells that were not cancer(ADH) to radiation is a downer.

anon122659

I had a biopsy and had a marker placed then was told Atypia Ductal Hyperplasia. Went for wire guided surgical biopsy to remove the area and they missed my marker but took a rather large area. Now they want to try to find the marker again. I am not sure what to do. Plus my breast is still sore and can't imagine having my breast so squished and cut again. (the shower water hurts it).

I tried to do the right thing and get it out so it would not cause me to worry so much. What should I do now? Any advice would be appreciated. I feel overwhelmed right now.

anon114592

Does anyone know how long a woman should take Evista when it it prescribed to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer?

I have hyperplasia and no family history of estrogen-related breast cancer. Evista is causing me to experience very significant sweating attacks day and night. These are very disruptive socially and to my ability to sleep. I am taking gabapentin (neurontin), soy and red clover isoflavones, Vitamin E and evening primrose oil to reduce the symptoms to no avail. PH

Bar1939

I am sorry to hear of the diagnosis of ADH, but focus on the fact this is cells that are not cancer -- they are just different from normal cells.

There is much online and there is reading material to educate yourself. Get medical professionals who you can have a good relationship with-ones who address all of your concerns. It is a scary situation but good information will help you get through. Good luck.

anon107510

i am 23 and diagnosed with ADH. i am terrified really and don't know what to do.

anon103291

I am 42 years old with a family history of breast cancer. My maternal aunt died of breast cancer in her late 50s. My sister was diagnosed four years ago with breast cancer at 41 and under went a double mastectomy (her choice). I have now been told that I have ADH and I am scheduled to see a surgeon for a consultation. What options should I expect to hear? I really do not want to have surgery if it is not necessary.

anon92993

I had a needle biopsy in Feb 2010, and it came back Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia. I was sent to a surgeon and was told it had to come out as soon as possible.

I went and got another opinion and this surgeon was more helpful. Just had my surgery in June and the surgeon told me no cancer, but ADH was there. Now I am told they cannot put me on the new medications due to having hypothyroid and tachycardia, that could cause me to have a heart attack.

So now I am just scheduled to be watched closely, but my concern is how often does this come back and will it come back? I am very fearful and not educated enough from doctors.

If you are taking hormone replacement for menopause, they say to stop it, that is actually causes ADH. I guess I am just a bit overwhelmed, had to just write and get it out there.

Bar1939

What a great site. For a week I agonized over what was on my mind with no real answer and within a day a poster gave me an answer that made me realize what I need to do. Thanks

Bar1939

DinaFelice, thank you for your response and advice. I guess I will give in and make an appointment. I have just been scared. Thanks

DinaFelice

Bar1939: There are a number of reasons for why you may have been given a surgeon's number immediately.

1. For discussion of your options. Talking to a surgeon does not in any way obligate you to have surgery and the clinic that saw you may have automatic referral as its policy.

2. If the clinic where you received the diagnosis has limited resources/expertise, it would be entirely appropriate to refer you to a specialist so that you get better information than they can provide.

3. The watch and wait approach, while often appropriate, may be less desirable in your circumstances. For example, if you have a strong family history of breast cancer, your doctor might think it irresponsible to not immediately refer you to a surgeon.

Bar1939

I was diagnosed with ADH -Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia and I was immediately given the name and phone number of a surgeon. I read up on ADH and much of the advice said since it is not cancer-yet- and can be monitored and watched closely I am concerned and wonder why the quick push to a surgeon. Can anyone advise?

anon78109

I just had a breast reduction seven weeks ago. When I went for my post op check up the plastic surgeon had some "sobering news" and told me that I had ADH. I was so scared, I couldn't even remember what she said to me, and had to request my pathology report to read it.

I have been referred to a high risk breast clinic at the end of June. I am so happy that I found this website for support and information to share.

Now I won't be so surprised by what the doctor may offer as treatment suggestions when I see her. Thank you all for sharing and caring. Katcon

rntrust

for Dance: with your history, seek genetic counseling, to include BRAC testing. research the test, and consider pursuing. speak with your physician about your plans.

rntrust

to answer pelkey: you have a strong history of family breast cancer. a mastectomy will save your life. Research, research, research, and get second and third opinions. I had my first mastectomy at 39, and have no regrets. live!

rntrust

I have a recent dx of atypical ductal hyperplasia ADH, after a core biopsy was done. I have a history of breast cancer dx in 1997. my options given were close monitoring. I asked about a mastectomy and told it was my choice.

I am leaning more to the surgery soon,( although very emotional for the family and me), although some doctors may think it's too radical.

Why should we wait and see what happens, as the hyperplasia means increased risk of another breast cancer diagnosis. We want to live.

Ladies, don't bargain for lumpectomies. I was in a room after my first surgery, and had two other very nice ladies come back for mastectomies after lumpectomies, and now their prognosis had changed. let's be wise, even though it's radical. viva a healthy life.

anon68938

To Anon 64720: I am now 44 years old and was diagnosed with ADH when I was 42. I have been on Tamoxifen for 18 months with no side effects. Another teacher at my high school was on tamoxifen and she experienced weight gain. Hope this helps.

DinaFelice

anon65078: Sort of. ADH and DCIS (as well as LCIS or Lobular Carcinoma In Situ) are both benign but abnormal growth of cells. They may remain as benign growths or they may progress to cancer. DCIS and LCIS would be considered a later stage of benign growth and thus more serious.

anon64720: I believe that Vista is just a brand name of Raloxifene. I want to reassure you that, along with Tamoxifen and other estrogen receptor antagonists, they are remarkably safe and remarkably good at reducing risk of breast cancer. In our clinic, the rule of thumb is to use Tamoxifen in premenopausal women and Raloxifene in post-menopausal women.

anon62748: ADHd *can* be discovered on mammograms in general, but a specific one might not have the right composition to be spotted that way. So the answer is that some can be seen and some cannot.

anon59352: I strongly suggest that you have a follow-up with a cancer specialist who is not a surgeon. He or she would be better able to weigh your potential risk of developing breast cancer with your personal risk of problems (and, even though the population's rate of side effects is low, it seems that you would be at a higher risk).

If you do decide to forgo Evista and you have normal kidney function, you should talk to him/her about having breast MRIs in addition to mammograms (the two together show increased accuracy in early detection of cancer in high risk women).

***I am a genetic counseling student in a clinical rotation in a Breast/Ovarian Cancer clinic.***

trela

I am 52 and was diagnosed with ADH today. My grandmother, mother, sister, 2 aunts and 3 cousins have all had breast cancer.....so, yes I'm planning to see a surgeon soon and have a mastectomy!

anon65078

Are Atypical ductal hyperplasia and ductal carcinoma in situ related?

anon64720

I have just had a lumpectomy to remove a dime size Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia and was told today that I do not have cancer. Thank God! Now the breast doctor is talking about putting me on an anti-cancer drug but I'm only 48 years old and really worried about the side effects.

Can anyone recommend the lesser of the two evils between Evistal or Tamoxifen?

anon62748

I am a 73 year old otherwise healthy woman who had a routine mammogram that suggested calcification in the breast and recommended a biopsy. I had that done and it showed no malignancy.

However the Radiologist explained that "incidentally" the Pathologist discovered ADH. After some discussion I was told that it would never have shown on a mammogram and that the only way to diagnose it is by biopsy. The recommendation is a more extensive biopsy. I'm reading here that it can be discovered on a mammogram. So--which is it?

anon59352

I had a surgical breast biopsy in December. On my follow-up with the surgeon he said there were no cancer cells present, but the pathology report stated that I have atypical ductal hyperplasia. He sent me to an oncologist, which I met with today. He wants to put me on Evista, however I am concerned by the common side effects of this drug.

I am 50 years old, perimenopausal, no family history of breast cancer. I hate the idea of messing with my hormonal balance. I did not tolerate birth control pills very well, and take half doses of over the counter medications because they affect me differently than most people.

I am trying to weigh the benefits of taking Evista compared to just being vigilant about my mammograms (which would be every six months on biopsied breast and yearly on the other) and OB/GYN appointments. Any information or insight from anyone who has experienced this would be appreciated. Just a little overwhelmed by all the numbers thrown at me.

anon58982

I had a lump in my breast the size of a marble at 25 years old. They took a biopsy and found ADH. I am now 31 years old and have been having yearly mammograms ever since. It is pretty depressing for me at my age being so young to go through this. I hope to only have a good outcome.

anon55748

I am also interested to know what the ICD-9 for ADH is.

frilin

I am 58 years old. I had a stereotactic done and was found with ADH. I had two children, have no family history of cancer. The doctor recommended me to have a surgical procedure to remove the tissue around the area. He gave me the statistics that 20 percent of the ATD usually are cancerous and regardless of the finding, I will need to start the cancer risk reduction drug treatments for 5 years?

anon39196

I am 61 y/o female who on work-up for breast reduction was found to have suspcious area, this was biopied and returned negative,the plastic doctor had a surgeon remove the lesion prior to him perfoming reduction, frozen sec. was negative, when I went for F/U was told ADH was found in the margins of one section only. No breast ca in family, but strong ca(ovarian, stomach) in family. I had hyst. age 49, am healty. Started on Evista, but this medication is not agreeing with me, hot flashes, chills, cramping in hands, feet, hair loss, difficulty focusing. What are the odds that I will poss. develop breast ca, given my age, I want to stop Evista.Please help me with some more info. NJC

anon39114

Denise in AZ

I was just diagnosed with ADH and I, too, have breast tenderness *all the time*. My OBGYN didn't even really know what this ADH was, but the cancer specialist said that I should just do yearly exams and mamos. I was not even given a consultation. I have a sickening feeling, should I be more aggressive or count my blessings?

anon38926

I am 50 years old and over the past 4 years, my mammograms called for further atttention. I started with a cyst which was aspirated. From the aspiration, I was told that my breast films looked dirty and a biopsy was recommended. My biopsy was performed in 2008 and my diagnosis was ADH. My OBGYN recommended in 2009 that I see a breast specialist and have it removed. It was, as he referred to it, was more than a lump. I had no idea that ADH was found in the milk ducts. I recently had a lumbectomy, partial mastectomy, which I believe was performed only to confirm the diagnosis of ADH. The breast specialist stated I am high risk for breast cancer and recommends meds to begin in January 2010; Tamoxifen or Evista. What on earth should I do? On other option was referred and not recommended is bilateral mastectomy.

jgoar

What is the ICD-9 code for atypical ductal hyperplasia?

anon36069

I was diagnosed last year with ADH. I had the core biopsy and the surgical biopsy. No meds. This year my mammogram came back with questions. I just finished an ultrasound and "extra view" on my mammogram. I got the call that I'm being referred to a vascular surgeon (again - same one as last year). I thought I would be okay after the surgeries. But I'm back again. I don't want to freak...but, I am.

dixiegypsy

Just been diagnosed with ADH which 2 pathologists

read as benign. After seeing a breast surgeon, he will remove tissue but added that 3 out of 20 might

be cancerous upon his surgery...how did i go to

benign to 3 out of 20 possibility?? not clear to me...is there tissue that he removes that the 2

radiologists did not biopsy??

anon32987

I am 49 years old. Mother and 2 aunts with breast and ovarian CA. I have just be diagnosed with ADH thanks to a very aggressive Gyn/Onc that could not be seen on mammo or ultrasound - found with MRI and biopsied. Am seeing surgeon next week. My husband and I have already been discussing prophylactic mast as well as other options. A very awakening finding although not unexpected. Not real sure what to do yet.

jboggs

I am a breast cancer survivor from 06. I have now been dx with Ductal Hyperplasia and I am leaning toward the mastectomy. I know it is radical, but I am 56 and I don't want to worry about this every three to six months. Since I have had the original treatment for ductal cancer already, my only option if dx would be a mastectomy anyway and I don't want to wait for the other shoe to drop. I fear cancer being in lymph nodes and spreading to other areas. I am blessed with a fabulous physician who takes nothing of face value and I do trust her.

Danise

I have been diagnosed with Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia, or ADH. The Doctor said it was between a 0 and a 1. Breast cancer runs in the family. I have discomfort in my breast almost all the time.

In 2007 I had my first Biopsy it was benign. At times my husband just looks at my breast and I get angry. I am 34 years old. I have had people tell me wait to see if it turns Cancerous and others say get them cut out. What should I do? Danise of Phoenix, Arizona

anon30783

I was diagnosed with atypical ductal hyperplasia after having a milk duct removed. The doctor said I should have yearly mammograms and an MRI in three months. He also suggested the drug Tamoxifen. I am 63, have never had children, am overweight, never had a blood clot, had a hysterectomy at 24. The side effects of hot flashes, possible blood clots, arthritic symptoms are frightening, as I'm usually warm and already have some arthritis. But I feel I may be passing up a good preventative if I don't take it. Anyone out there taking it already?

anon28207

To anon28123

Thank you for your input. This is a new and uncomfortable situation for me. I think I acted a little to drastic when I found out. My only concern is having 3 sisters that have been diagnosed with breast cancer or have had precancerous cells. I am shying away from the double mastectomy, but am still discussing it with my doctors. I do have an MRI scheduled in May. That is the direction I am going in now. Mammograms and MRI's every year with regular check ups. Again thank you for responding.

anon28123

To pelkylj: I think a mastectomy is a pretty drastic reaction. Atypical ductal hyperplasia *isn't* cancer. It doesn't even progress to cancer in many cases.

Has anyone in your family pursued genetic testing? I think that would be your best option, and then you could consider a mastectomy based on whether you have a genetic predisposition to breast cancer.

Donnajb

My question: I have been diagnosed with Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia----Not cancerous but I hold a higher risk of getting breast cancer than the average female...i had the cells removed and I have to follow up on mammograms.

Now i applied for the police dept. in my city and am at the end of the process to start the academy in May, but city is reviewing my medical. I got a letter from the surgeon stating diagnosis, prognosis is very good and I have no problems related to my breasts that would interfere with me being a police officer...Now, while I am under review does anyone out there know if the city will hold that against me and not hire me or with my letter from the doctor --would they allow me threw knowing my diagnosis?

pelkylj

I was just diagnosed with Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia. Two of my sisters have been diagnosed with breast cancer. my oldest sister found out when she was 48 and died at 50 the second sister was diagnosed at 44. I am 44 years old, should I consider a mastectomy of my breast?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Atypical ductal hyperplasia can appear on a mammogram.
      By: Monkey Business
      Atypical ductal hyperplasia can appear on a mammogram.
    • Atypical ductal hyperplasia is a noncancerous condition in the breast ducts that may lead to cancer.
      By: Arto
      Atypical ductal hyperplasia is a noncancerous condition in the breast ducts that may lead to cancer.
    • Patients of ADH are advised to conduct monthly breast self exams.
      By: Marin Conic
      Patients of ADH are advised to conduct monthly breast self exams.
    • ADH involves abnormal growth of the cells that line the milk ducts of the breasts.
      By: Balint Radu
      ADH involves abnormal growth of the cells that line the milk ducts of the breasts.
    • An oncologist or other doctor can order tests to help pinpoint and monitor a patient's atypical ductal hyperplasia.
      By: JackF
      An oncologist or other doctor can order tests to help pinpoint and monitor a patient's atypical ductal hyperplasia.
    • A biopsy may be performed in order to diagnose atypical ductal hyperplasia.
      By: nandyphotos
      A biopsy may be performed in order to diagnose atypical ductal hyperplasia.
    • Women diagnosed with atypical ductal hyperplasia need more frequent mammograms to monitor changes.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Women diagnosed with atypical ductal hyperplasia need more frequent mammograms to monitor changes.