Frequently Asked Questions

Q. My doctor discovered a fibroadenoma in my breast, and I am very nervous about it. He told me that it’s very common.
A. About 80% of breast disease is “benign” or not life threatening, and this is the group where you most likely find yourself.Most discrete lumps in breast tissue of women your age are fibroadenomas. Most of these lesions have a characteristic appearance on a mammogram, which is seen by the radiologist who read your mammogram. However, you only know for sure what each lesion is by having a biopsy, either a needle core biopsy or an actual excision in which a surgeon removes tissue. Please look in the “Images” section of the web site. Here you’ll see what fibroadenomas look like, both with the naked eye as well as under the microscope. Breastpath.com is pleased to offer the Breastpath.com Report on Fibroadenomas. This comprehensive report contains a detailed discussion of the nature of fibroadenomas. Included are images of actual fibroadenoma tissue from experienced and board certified pathologist J.B. Askew, Jr., M.D. Some of the images are those seen with the naked eye while others are what was seen under the microscope. Each image includes a description and the important details that help determine the diagnosis, as well as a comparison with breast cancer cells. This will help you better understand how these designations are made. Also included–a full Internet resource guide, a medical glossary and more.
 
Q. What is a papilloma?
A. Recently we have noted a lot more questions from women with non-malignant breast disease. This makes sense, because about 80% of breast disease is benign. Simply put, the breast papilloma is a growth composed of the lining cells of a breast duct as well as the underlying stroma, or supportive tissues, including blood vessels. Such growths may bleed or secrete fluids, and either may cause nipple bleeding or secretion problems.
 
Q. Do you know the standard treatment for patients with a diagnosis of calcifications? Should I have surgery?
A. When you have a diagnosis such as this, the most important relationship is between you and your surgeon. I encourage you to explore all of your questions and options with this physician. As a pathologist, I am a consulting physician and should not interfere with this relationship. However, I can inform you of several options. One possible avenue for you to pursue is a second opinion at a comprehensive breast center. You might read “Breast Cancer: Finding the right options for you” on the John Hopkins web siteThis site explains the features of a breast center, what happens at a comprehensive breast center and the services that are available. Information is also available by reviewing “Breast Center Types and Criteria” as defined by the National Consortium of Breast Centers. One thing that distinguishes these centers is the pre-treatment conference attended by mammography-dedicated radiologists, pathologists, surgeons and radiation and medical oncologists. A woman’s diagnosis is discussed by all of these specialists until her treatment plan recommendations and options have been determined. List of centers accredited by the American College of Surgeons. List of centers accredited by the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers™ quality initiative of the National Consortium of Breast Centers. There is some good news for you, and that is, you have time to collect information, better understand what the diagnosis means and make plans for what you and your surgeon finally decide is the best treatment approach for you. Good luck on your search for the right answers for you. I hope you understand why I need to respect the relationship between you and your surgeon, who is the treating physician. Should you need any further help from me in my capacity as a pathologist, please contact me again at Breastpath.com. For more information, see our Guest Commentary by Randy A. Birken, M.D., on The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Breast Team.
 
Q. What is the significance of the findings noted in the pathology report from my breast surgery?
A. What I can offer you is the following: Send me your questions using the convenient e-mail form on this site. Please note, this service offered by Breastpath.com is designed to enhance your understanding of breast disease and breast cancer. We can answer questions about breast pathology, how a comprehensive breast center functions, what you can do to get a second opinion and how to find a comprehensive breast center. Some questions posed to us are related more to personal situation problems, and we try to answer those, also. All of this information will help you to understand how the pathologist came to your diagnosis. There are other things that are best discussed with your surgeon, oncologist or other caregiver, and you will be advised to do so when appropriate. You may also want to consider a second opinion from a comprehensive breast center. Such centers are scattered across the USA. These are two good resources: List of centers accredited by the American College of Surgeons. List of centers accredited by the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers™ quality initiative of the National Consortium of Breast Centers.