Archive for the ‘Ask the Pathologist’ Category

Tumor Grade Changed from 1 to 3

Question: My core biopsy path report stated a tumor grade of 1. Four weeks later, the lumpectomy path report states tumor grade 3. Can the tumor really be progressing this rapidly? Thanks for your time.

Sclerosing Adenosis on Core Biopsy

Question: What is “sclerosing adenosis”? Is this related to breast cancer? That’s my diagnosis on my biopsy that my doctor did. Do I need to have surgery? She said no, but I’m concerned. It sounds worrisome.

ADH or no ADH on core?

Question: My core biopsy came back as “fibrocystic changes with a small focus of atypical ductal hyperplasia. calcifications are present within the focus of atypical ductal hyperplasia and in surrounding ducts.” My sister’s friend is a breast cancer nurse and recommended I get a second opinion at her hospital and so I had them [...]

Papilloma on Core Biopsy

Question: Hi, two weeks ago I had a mammogram that showed calcium in my left breast that was new according to my doctor. They also saw something else on the mammogram with the calcium and then I had an ultrasound. They told me I had a small mass near my nipple that had calcium [...]

ALH vs. LCIS

Question: I am 56 years old and I go for my mammogram every year and my doctor said there were some calcificatons in my right breast and recommends biopsy. So I had a needle biopsy that showed “lobular carcinoma in situ” that is what the report said. He said I needed surgery which I dont [...]

DCIS and Need for Re-Excision Following Positive Margins

Question: Hello, and thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.
March 29th first biopsy done, clinical information and history: Bloody nipple discharge left breast for 20 months, papilloma suspected, mammogram clear. Diagnosis after excision: 1. Low grade DCIS 2. Focal proliferative fibrocystic changes and small intraductal papilloma 3. DCIS [...]

DCIS on Core but only ADH on Excision

Question: I am 40 years old and had my first mammogram 2 months ago. It showed a 5 mm area of micro calcifications. I had a stereotactic vacuum assisted biopsy and 8 samples were retrieved. The histopath came back as DCIS – cribriform, clinging, with a nuclear grade of 2 out of 3. The slides [...]

Flat Epithelial Atypia

Question: Hello, I have a question. What does flat epithelial atypia mean and if it isn’t cancer, why do I need surgery? I am scheduled for surgery next week and I don’t feel comfortable. Thank you.

Calcifications on Core Needle Biopsy

Question: I had a stereotactic biopsy on 11/23/10 for pleomorphic clustered microcalcifications. These were identified on additional view mammogram. US also noted at least 15 small simple cysts, a 7mm benign appearing solid mass such as fibroadenoma or fibrocystic mastopathy and no masses in the region of the pleomorphic clustered microcalcifications. My Dr. [...]

Can Breast Cancer Be Diagnosed On a Bone Marrow Biopsy?

Question: My 75 y/o mother who was sent to an oncologist due to a bone scan that showed a hot spot on the right rib. A bone marrow biopsy/aspir was done and she was diagnosed with breast cancer with mets to the spine-results were ER/PR +. Mammograms, cat scans, Petscans were neg. She [...]