columnar cell hyperplasia with atypia

hi all … im new to the forum,but i have been reading a lot of post its just all so complicated and so many variations of BC, well i was 50 in june had a mamm in sept and had surgery end of oct with a wire guided injection and now have been told i have the above, havent got the faintest idea even what it is only that i have more cells than the next person and there the wrong shape (i was probly told a lot more)but just didnt listen , so my next question is can any one put this condition into simple terms and should i not have a mamm more often that every 12 months , and why even to this day with no worry,s in the world i want to cry at every think i see , i also have been on a hormone tablet for 20 years (norethisterone) that i have just come off as there could have been a link ?.. any info would be good … thanks michelle

Hi michelle 1960

Welcome to the Breast Cancer Care discussion forums, I hope you will find them a great source of support and information.

It sounds like you’re having a pretty tough time at the moment, can I suggest you give the BCC helpline a call on 0808 800 6000. Here you are able to talk things through, sharing your concerns with a trained member of staff who will offer you a listening ear as well as support and information. All the staff on the helpline are either breast care nurses or have experience of breast cancer. The lines are open tomorrow from 9 to 5pm.

I hope this is helpful.

Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator

Hi Michelle

the good news is that it isnt cancer, its not even pre-cancerous more like pre pre-cancerous… ie not quite as serious as the lowest grade of DCIS.

the frequency of mammos even for people with the most aggressive cancers is annually so you wouldnt be looking to have it any more regularly for this type of condition…
you might find this publication from BCC of some interest…
breastcancercare.org.uk/upload/pdf/hyperplasia__web_final_feb_08_0.pdf

additionally there is no known connection between atypia and norethisterone… although 20 years is a long time to take it for, but hopefully your periods will start decreasing now anyway as your 50 and the average age of the menopause is 51 so fingers crossed they settle down.

as for crying i think its only natural to worry but do please be reassured that you dont have cancer and are getting the correct follow up.

lulu x