Connect
← Return to Anyone dealing with Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia (ADH)?
Discussion
Anyone dealing with Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia (ADH)?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: 19 hours ago | Replies (237)Comment receiving replies
I was actually considering posting similar questions on this forum but wasn't sure it would be the right place. They found microcalcifications in a routine mammogram 3 yrs ago, I was put on a schedule of having a mammogram every 6 mths, there had been no changes, so a year ago I was released to going back to a yearly mammo. I had the mammo beginning of July, they found new microcalcifications with a dense area near them, did an ultrasound the same day, and had an opening that day to do a core needle biopsy so I took it. Didn't want to wait. The local lab had to send the biopsy to Mayo to examine and the dx was ADH. The radiologist recommended a MRI of both breasts, to make sure there were no other areas of concern, before doing a surgical excision to remove the remaining area. He referred me to a surgeon who specializes in breast cancer surgery. I had the surgery 2 wks ago, they biopsied the tissue removed and found they got all of the ADH and no cancer cells were found. I was so thankful. I asked my surgeon about genetic testing, she referred me to a genetecist. I just had the appt with him 8/6 and was told even w/o doing the testing, based upon my personal history and mostly due to the ADH dx, my chance of breast cancer went up from 12%(avg risk for my age-47) to 41%. He explained based upon that % I will require follow ups every 6mths (which the Radiologist had already indicated in his report I should have follow up MRI in 6 mos) but it also opened up other options such as bilateral masectomy or medication to lessen the chance of further changes. I am pre-menopausal and my surgeon recommended against the drugs. I am wondering if anyone else has had ADH, but not cancer, and decided to have a preventative masectomy?
Replies to "I was actually considering posting similar questions on this forum but wasn't sure it would be..."
Hi! Just saw your post and my situation is very similar. I am scheduled for a mastectomy in April. Did you decide on the same?
I am having preventative double masectomy beginning of september.
Hello, I highly recommend genetic testing! It is one of the best things I ever did and gave me more information and some peace of mind. I had DCIS stage zero and genetic testing showed negative for BRCA gene and I had no history in my family of breast cancer. My pathology March 2024 report after the lumpectomy showed margins were negative/clear, negative for residual ductal carcinoma in situ and showed some residual Atypia. Atypical cells are not cancer cells but a possible indicator you may or may not develop cancer in the future. The surgeon in her report noted there was no residual DCIS, as it was ALL was taken out during the biopsies. Doctors have very different opinions about how ADH and DCIS should be treated given that there are a lot of Factors to consider. I did a lot of my own research when I got the results of mammogram, ultrasound and breast MRI and consultation with my care team at Mayo. Please continue to ask questions and seek out information and research articles. I continue to get yearly mammogram and ultrasound and a Breast MRI with contrast. My recent post surgery reports done in 2024 and 2025 were normal. Although I am waiting the results of breast MRI for 2025. It is a test that gives you more information and some peace of mind along with genetic results. Good luck to you and hope things turn out well.
Connect
Hey there. Yes. I’m scheduled for bilateral mastectomy in 2 weeks. I had a cluster of Micro calcifications that led to stereotactic biopsy. That failed to obtain the calcifications so lumpectomy was scheduled. In the interim, pathology of the biopsy shows (totally unexpectedly and coincidentally ) ALH (lobule). Lumpectomy removed calcifications (benign) but found also diffuse ADH and ALH. greater than 3 foci puts risk at 49%. So. Off with the breasts. I’m 52, vegan, non smoker, no BRCA bad genes. Very athletic. I need my pec muscles so have opted for expanders and above pec implants. For me, 6 month checks and MRIs and drugs ARE not my cup of tea. I’d rather excise the risk now, and heal from that, vs a 50/50 risk of having to do it anyway, AND go through fighting cancer, chemo and radiation. I feel v fortunate and grateful to have found it so coincidentally. And have no hesitation taking proactive preventative steps. It’s clearly a very personal choice...I researched read, interviewed multiple surgeons, researched more etcetc. This is the decision that feels unequivocally authentic for me. Hugs to you. Xxx