Facebook Pixel
Q: 

"Precancerous abnormalities" (breast); What exactly does the term mean?

By June 12, 2009 - 10:06am
 
Rate This

For women dealing with any level breast issue, there really needs to be more clarification, of the term, “precancerous abnormalities". When I asked a Doctor what the term meant he said “Oh, that’s when a patient has an abnormality that is precancerous.” (Really!!) This is a term used often, and plugged in at all stages, from exam to end result, but never defined. Is this “condition /diagnosis” prior to the mammogram or something found on the mammogram? Is it prior to a biopsy or found during a biopsy? Or is it the reason for the biopsy. Should there be an MRI before the biopsy to see them? What happens when found? If these precancerous abnormalities – which obviously can be seen – are found during a biopsy are they removed? Do the abnormalities, if removed mean you are normal or do they indicate cancer or the possibility of cancer? Is a second biopsy needed or Tamoxifen? The diagnosis of Cancer is compelling to say the least. Hearing the words "precancerous abnormalities" is compelling as well. The term, used so often, almost seems generic and without a place in the pecking order of diagnosis. It’s almost like receiving a phone call and hearing -- your child has been in an accident; then: Click. Perhaps a little intel on where this term should show up in the diagnosis pecking order and maybe a definition without using the words precancerous abnormality would be helpful. Thx.

Add a CommentComments

There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy

All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.

Breast Conditions

Get Email Updates

Breast Conditions Guide

Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.

ASK

Health Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER - for free!