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Against Breast Cancer

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Re: Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia

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Posted by Betsy Mullen on 4/1/2000 from 205.188.192.27:
In reply to: Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia posted by Ruth on 3/16/2000 from 207.74.44.14:
Let’s first start with a definition of Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia:

Atypical means not typical; not corresponding to the normal form or type, as defined by Stedman’s Medical Dictionary, 26th Edition (ISBN #: 0-683-07922-0.

Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia: atypical hyperplasia is defined in Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book (Second Edition, ISBN #: 0-201-40835-X) as abnormal cells that are increased in number. Ductal refers in this case to the duct(s) of the breast. In her book, Dr. Susan Love does explain that atypical ductal hyperplasia is fairly uncommon and combined with a family history of breast cancer, can suggest an increased breast cancer risk. I suggest you check out a copy of Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book to learn more about breast health, breast anatomy and conditions such as atypical ductal hyperplasia. You can also purchase the book online in our site’s bookstore through Amazon.com

Breast pain (mastalgia) is the most common type of benign (noncancerous) condition in the breast. In premenopausal women, such pain can occur with the menstrual cycle as a more intense variation of premenstrual discomfort. Causes of mastalgia (breast pain) can include benign cysts, which can often be aspirated with a fine gauge needle to remove fluid and relieve pain. Other causes of breast pain are thought to be mainly hormonal in nature.
A majority of women have areas in their breasts of basically indistinct lumpiness, usually in the upper outer quadrant of the breast. Breast pain (mastalgia), breast cysts and nondescript lumpiness are common in women and often all occur together, referred to as a fibrocystic condition.
(Source: The Merck Manual, Sixteenth Edition, ISBN #: 0911910-16-6).

Now, let’s get to some information/questions you should discuss with your doctors:

1. Do you have a family of breast cancer?

2. Do you have any known risk factors?; Do you know what some of the breast cancer risk factors are?

3. Do you know how to do a proper breast exam? You can receive this information and register for monthly breast self-exam reminders right on our web site (www.winabc.org)

4. How old are you?

5. Was your current mammogram compared with previous mammograms?

6. Did you receive a copy of the radiologist’s report/findings from this last mammogram?

7. Did you physician(s) discuss the possibility of a breast ultrasound for your "healthy" breast?

8. Was your recent biopsy your first breast biopsy?

These are all things to think about and discuss with your health care team. We would be happy to send you educational materials, free of charge regarding breast self-exam, breast health, understanding breast changes, questions to ask your health plan about exemplary care (found on our web site under help yourself – 10 key questions for women to ask their health plans), breast cancer myths and much, much more depending upon your needs.

AN IMPORTANT REMINDER: It is very difficult to render an opinion without knowing all the facts of any one particular case. But one strong recommendation we would like to make is that you pursue your question(s) with your own physicians. You should feel fully empowered to obtain a satisfactory answer and feel free to seek a second or third opinion. We have some great tips on partnering with your health care team and key questions to ask your doctors, communication tips and informed decision-making tips to help you get the information you need. There is a special form on our web site that you can fill out and e-mail to us to help us best meet your needs and you are also welcome to call us at (626) 332-2255. Your information will be kept confidential.

I will close with this thought and a saying of mine: "When in doubt, check it out." You know your body well and are your own best advocate. Pursue any concerns with your health care team. I am a strong advocate of second opinions. Please let us know how you are doing.

Betsy Mullen
President/CEO
WIN Against Breast Cancer

Follow Ups:

Re: Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia - Ruth   5/25/2000 (1)
Re: Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia - Betsy Mullen   5/26/2000 (0)
Re: Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia - Ruth Husted   5/15/2000 (0)
Re: Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia - Ruth Husted   5/15/2000 (0)