I don't understand results ....... please help !!!!!

I’'m a 40, when I did my mammogram I got a phone call to go back because because they need more images and they also did a sonogram of my breast. I just got a call to schedule a biopsy because I have a persistent 4cm x 5cm ill-defined density retroareolar on my right breast. The impression is BI-RADS 4 with a 4B subdivision. After the biopsy my doctor’s nurse just called me and told me my doctor wants me to see a surgeon. This is base on the biopsy results: Bening fibroglandular breast tissue with fibrous mastopathy including cystic change, apocrine metaplasia, papillomatosis and intraductal hyperplasia of the usual type.

I don’t understand what this mean, the only good thing is that what ever it is, is benign. Can somebody explain this to me in plain english? I’ll really appreciate it.

Hi latin40

Find it so disheartening that the dr/nurse has not explained to you what all this means. Not sure myself exactly but (given I’ve had a number of mammograms since my breast cancer) will try to explain what I can.
Fibroglandular tissue is just breast tissue - it appears on a mammogram as denser than fat. I believe some such tissue is seen in almost all mammograms. The fat and this connective fibrous tissue is what gives the breast its shape.
Obviously within this area of tissue you have some “oddities”, including cysts. Apocrine metaplasia, I think, is a term relating to cysts as well - areas that look on mammogram like apocrine sweat glands (not sure exactly what apocrine means but it defines the type of sweat gland). Intraductal hyperplasia means that there is an overgrowth of cells within the milk ducts. Papillomatosis is also a type of hyperplasia in which there are very small areas of cell growth (wart-like) within the ducts.

So basically you have an area in your breast where there are some changes in the normal tissue - small growths and cysts but nothing cancerous. As you say the good thing is that the biopsy has shown it is benign. My guess however would be that they want you to see the surgeon to discuss whether it would be best to remove this area in case it does increase your risks at all of getting breast cancer in the future. “Better safe than sorry” type approach?

Hope that helps and that you get an appointment quickly so that your mind can be put at rest (hope you weren’t posting at 2 in the morning cos you were fretting). You could also try ringing the ask a nurse helpline here who should be able to explain the biopsy results and may even be able to give some indication of whether you are at an increased risk.

Take care Kay

It’s very annoying that this hasn’t been explained to you.

Presumably you have another appointment booked and you will need to ask for all of this to be explained to you. Take someone with you if you can to help you remember all the details. Alternatively, see if they have a breast care nurse specialist and ask her to help explain what it all means.

You will need to know what this means for you in terms of any treatment etc.

As Kay says, the staff on the manned helpline for this site are a good place to go. I’ve found them fantastic and really knowledgeable - give them a call on the helpline - I’m sure they’ll be able to talk things through.
Elinda x

Hi Latin40

You may find it helpful to talk this through with one of our trained members of staff on the BCC helpine. Here you can share your concerns and you will offered a listening ear as well as support and information if required. The number to call is 0808 900 6000 and the lines are open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 2pm Saturday.

I hope you find this helpful.

Kind regards
Sam (BCC Facilitator)