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Breast Cancer/atypical cells found in breast biopsy

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Expert: - 2/1/2010


Question
In 2007 I had a stereotactic breast biopsy for microcalcifications.  It was benign. This year the mammogram showed that there were more microcalcifications, that looked suspicious - so surgeon recommended removing as many as possible. Surgeon removed golfball size of tissue, microcalcifications were benign, benign lump was in tissue as well(didn't show on mammo).  The concern is they found a few atypical cells. Are these atypical cells something to worry about? Scheduled to talk with an oncologist for his opinion. What if there are more still in the breast?

Answer
Atypical cells are not cancer! Though they may develop into cancer at a later date. However, in your case they seem to have been surgically removed and can therefore not develop into anything. AS far as I can understand from your question your only danger here would be if there are more atypical cells outside your surgical area. To be able to better evaluate that I need to read your full mammography report, your full stereotactic biopsy pathology report and your full pathology report from your surgery. You can copy them here.


You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128     There is no restriction to the number of questions there.

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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

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I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience in diagnostics and treatment of breast tumours.

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I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps.You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.

I also answer questions about Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Brain Tumors, Colon Cancer

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I'm a medical doctor and specialist in medical oncology and radiation therapy.

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