Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 3/10/2009

Question
QUESTION: I had a ultrasound-guided biopsy in my left breast.
The pathology report states "Fibrocystic changes with stromal fibrosis and apocrine metaplasia"
My doctor is on vacation and I'm going crazy not knowing what is going on in my body.
My question is this..
do i need to keep an eye on this..
what is the treatment?
could it develop into something more?

what is your opinion...thank you

ANSWER: This is NOT a cancer and will probably not develop into one (but your breasts should be checked regularly even so) and there is no treatment. No treatment is necessary.
Good luck!


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for very fast answer.
Can you explain what is this  "Fibrocystic changes with stromal fibrosis and apocrine metaplasia"?
I have occasional pain in my left breast.
I had a biopsy done after ultrasound of my left breast:
Ultrasound findings: There is a mixed echogenic mass at 9 o'clock position of left breast measuring approximate. 1.4 X 1.0cm. this corresponds to the mammographic abnormalities. No abnormal blood flow is noted.
There is 0.8 X 0.5 cm cyst at 9 o'clock position of left breast incidental finding. 2-mm sized cyst is present at 5 o'clock position. There is an additional cyst measuring 4 mm at 4 o'clock position. This corresponds to the mammograpfic abnormality.
Thank you

Answer
A fibrocystic breast condition is not really a tumor and certainly NOT a cancer. It is hardly a disease (a very common condition in women and not unknown in men either). Its main features are increased fibrous tissues - like in your case - and the presence of fluid filled cysts (spaces) - also like in your case. Apocrine metaplasia is a tissue change sometimes seen in fibrocystic conditions. It has nothing to do with cancer. Breast milk glands are actually derived from sweat glands. Sweat glands are of 2 types: 1. Ecrine glands (those that do not smell) and apocrine glands, those that do smell for example in arm pits. Apocrine metaplasia means that breast milk glands are changed in a way resembling apocrine sweat glands. What is seen in your ultrasound scan & mammogram are consistent with the presence of such fibrocystic changes.