Anyone dealing with Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia (ADH)?
I am sorry if this is not the right forum. I know ADH is not cancer and this is a breast cancer forum, but I can't find another forum that may be more relevant.
I am wondering if there is anyone who is dealing with ADH or has been diagnosed with ADH that can share their experience. I was diagnosed a month ago. While I am relieved that I don't have cancer, I am confused with the radiology report that shows BI-RAD6 - surgical removal is recommended. I have seen a breast oncology surgeon and I don't think she took me seriously because I don't have cancer. It almost feels like I wasted her time seeing her because I don't have cancer. If ADH is no big deal, why BI-RAD 6 (which i understand is for biopsy proven malignancy). I also read up about ADH online and understand that with ADH, my risk for breast cancer is 4x. Should I not worry about it and just do annual check? Should i see another breast surgeon? Should I see an oncologist? Do I need genetic testing to better understand my risk? I feel like an impostor for even posting this on a breast cancer forum but I am genuinely confused and concerned. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
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Sounds like you made your decision. ❤️ I was 52 and was afraid there was cancer that can’t always be detected but ADH can be a sign that it’s there. Not sure at 78 what I would do. It’s ultimately a very personal decision.
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1 ReactionI understand what the lumpectomy is for, but due to the fact that it was noncancerous and I have no risk factors I'm questioning why I need to have it removed and instead go with the preventative strategies. ADH diagnosis statistically shows a low % of women get cancer. I'm 78 and and after 5-10 yrs, the odds are in my favor.
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1 ReactionI believe the lumpectomy is done to confirm Adh and rule out any hidden cancer. It’s an easy procedure.
I took have just been told I have ADH after a core needle biopsy. I was sent for an MRI and now I have another biopsy scheduled for July 3rd, for another suspicious area. My surgeon wants to have that biopsied so she knows if she needs to remove that tissue as well. My BI RADS score is a 4 which is so vague. Mammogram biopsy on both breast MRI and now another biopsy. My Brain is all over the place. I'm trying to be strong and not let my family see me falling apart but I'm scared. And I know there is a good chance it's nothing and I'm just over reacting. And Im glad my surgeon is being so through. I just don't know how to mentally keep it together. I'm 53 years old and I am feeling like a frightened child.
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1 ReactionI'm not considering a mastectomy. I'm questioning whether it's necessary to have a lumpectomy when my ADH diagnosis was non cancerous. In my research, I found that as little as 20% of women with this diagnosis go on to develope cancer, and that was without doing any preventative strategies such as monitoring with regular mammograms or meds to decrease estrogen production. Even so, the % is even less in the first 5 years. I'm 78 yrs old with no risk factors so I feel unlikely to die from breast cancer. Thoughts?
Are you questioning having the ADH removed or a prophylactic mastectomy?
In a yearly mammogram calcifications were found on my left breast. They were so small that they suggested I have a stereostatic biopsy. It was so small that surgery was suggested to confirm ADH and to see if it was Ductal Carcinoma instu.
I had a lumpectomy and I didn't have DCI.
I was sent to an oncologist and was encouraged to try medication to suppress estrogen. Tamoxifen would have been prescribed but because I have the factor five mutation, tgw doctor prescribed anastrozole. The side effects can be a challenge but I am don't want to deal with cancer.
Have the surgery. It’s really pretty minor in my opinion- and gives you peace of mind
I had a breast ultrasound because of a lump I detected and then a biopsy which resulted in a diagnosis of ADH (non cancerous) and the recommendation was to remove the tumor surgically. The reason was because it was large and that lends increase possibility for detecting cancer.
I was leaning toward going the preventative route with regular mammograms and maybe meds to decrease the production of estrogen, but now I’m not so sure. I have my GYN, the oncologist and my internist all telling me to have the surgery. Any input appreciated.
I am 76, after years of suspicious areas in breast , this November 2022 I was called back for ultrasound & then biopsies , 2 in right breast, 1 in left breast ,radial scars I was told, all benign but had surgery on Mar 9,2023 on right breast and diagnosed with ADH saw oncologist in June who explained risk factors of medication versus just yearly mammograms ,now I’m wondering why when I was in surgery why didn’t they just remove all those atypical areas ?
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