Overview
Atypical hyperplasia is a precancerous condition affecting cells in the breast, characterized by an accumulation of abnormal cells in the milk ducts and lobules. It increases the risk of developing breast cancer in the future, but is not cancer itself.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
Atypical hyperplasia typically doesn't cause any specific symptoms. In some cases, it may be discovered during a breast biopsy ordered to investigate an abnormality found on a mammogram or ultrasound. If you have any signs or symptoms that worry you, it's best to consult your doctor.
Risk Factors
Atypical hyperplasia is a precancerous condition that increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Some risk factors associated with atypical hyperplasia include:
- Age: The risk of developing atypical hyperplasia increases with age, particularly after menopause.
- Hormonal imbalance: Hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by estrogen or progesterone therapy, can contribute to the development of atypical hyperplasia.
- Family history: Having a family history of breast cancer or atypical hyperplasia may increase the risk of developing the condition.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese has been linked to an increased risk of atypical hyperplasia.
- Alcohol consumption: Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol may contribute to the development of atypical hyperplasia. It's important to discuss your individual risk factors with your healthcare provider to better understand your personal risk and take appropriate measures for breast cancer screening and risk reduction.
Development
Atypical hyperplasia forms when breast cells become abnormal in number, size, shape, growth pattern, and appearance. Two types of atypical hyperplasia are identified based on the location of the abnormal cells:
- Atypical ductal hyperplasia: This type describes abnormal cells within the breast ducts.
- Atypical lobular hyperplasia: This type describes abnormal cells within the breast lobules. The progression from hyperplasia to atypical hyperplasia and eventually to breast cancer typically involves the following stages:
- Hyperplasia: The process starts with normal cell development and growth becoming disrupted, causing an overproduction of normal-looking cells.
- Atypical hyperplasia: The excess cells stack upon one another and begin to take on an abnormal appearance.
- Noninvasive (in situ) cancer: The abnormal cells continue to progress in appearance and multiply, evolving into in situ cancer, in which cancer cells remain confined to milk ducts.
- Invasive cancer: The abnormal cells accumulate within the duct and continue to multiply and transition to become cancer cells. Invasive cancer tends to invade surrounding tissue, blood vessels, or lymph channels. Atypical hyperplasia increases the risk of developing breast cancer in the future. The risk of breast cancer for those with atypical hyperplasia is about four times higher than for those without hyperplasia.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if you have any signs or symptoms related to atypical hyperplasia that worry you. Atypical hyperplasia is typically found during a breast biopsy, which is usually conducted after an abnormality is detected on a mammogram or ultrasound. If you have a lump or nipple discharge and your doctor recommends a breast biopsy, it could potentially identify atypical hyperplasia. It's important to follow your doctor's recommendations regarding breast cancer screening and risk-reducing strategies if you have been diagnosed with atypical hyperplasia.
Diagnosis
Atypical hyperplasia of the breast is typically diagnosed after a biopsy of a suspicious area found during a clinical breast exam or imaging test, such as a mammogram or ultrasound. To further evaluate the condition, a surgical biopsy may be recommended to remove a larger sample of tissue for analysis. The pathologist examines the tissue for evidence of in situ or invasive cancer.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Atypical hyperplasia increases the risk of developing breast cancer in the future. Some potential complications include the transition from atypical hyperplasia to noninvasive breast cancer (carcinoma in situ) or invasive breast cancer. Intensive breast cancer screening and medications may be recommended to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Home Remedies
There is no specific home remedy suggested for atypical hyperplasia. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, for proper diagnosis and treatment. Atypical hyperplasia is a precancerous condition, and monitoring and managing the risk of breast cancer through regular screenings and medications, as recommended by a healthcare provider, is crucial.
Treatment
Atypical hyperplasia is typically treated with surgery to remove the abnormal cells and to ensure no in situ or invasive cancer is present in the area. The surgery may involve a wide local excision or lumpectomy. In addition to surgery, doctors may recommend more-intensive screening for breast cancer and medications to reduce the risk of breast cancer. However, the surgery may not be appropriate for everyone, and a discussion with your doctor about the risks, benefits, and limitations is necessary. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol consumption can also help reduce breast cancer risk.
Preparing for medical consultation
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider or seek guidance from a trusted medical source to understand the best preparation for an appointment related to atypical hyperplasia.