It has been estimated that up to 4% of breast biopsies result in a diagnosis of atypical hyperplasia, a condition that affects the breast tissue of certain women. Although not a type of breast cancer, atypical hyperplasia may potentially raise the risk of a woman getting breast cancer in the future.
Through this post, we are going to delve deeper into atypical hyperplasia and its potential effects on the breast cancer risk. We will look into what atypical hyperplasia involves, how it is diagnosed, and what measures women can take to manage their risk. This post should provide an informative resource for those who have been diagnosed with atypical hyperplasia or are simply interested in learning more about breast health, enabling readers to make informed choices about their care and understand their risk.
Atypical Hyperplasia: What is It?
In some women, atypical hyperplasia is present in their breast tissue. This condition is characterized by abnormal growth and multiplication of cells, leading to the formation of abnormal cell clusters. These cells have some irregularities which prevent them from being considered ‘normal’, but they are not malignant either. Nevertheless, atypical hyperplasia can be thought of as a potential risk factor for the development of breast cancer.
Depending on the area of the breast tissue affected, two types of atypical hyperplasia can be distinguished:
- Atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH): This type of atypical hyperplasia affects the cells lining the milk ducts of the breast. It is the more common type, accounting for around 50-70% of atypical hyperplasia cases.
- Atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH): This type of atypical hyperplasia affects the cells in the lobules or milk-producing glands of the breast. It is less common, accounting for around 30-50% of atypical hyperplasia cases.
Diagnosis of atypical hyperplasia can be done through a breast biopsy, wherein a piece of breast tissue is removed for examination. Imaging tests such as mammography or ultrasound may also be employed to pinpoint any areas of concern. A pathologist will then evaluate the biopsy sample to determine the type and grade of atypical hyperplasia.
Even though the cells associated with atypical hyperplasia are noncancerous, they do have certain abnormal characteristics that increase the probability of them developing into cancerous cells. Thus, women diagnosed with atypical hyperplasia are likely to have a greater chance of getting breast cancer compared to women who don’t have it.
Diagnosis and Symptoms of Atypical Hyperplasia
Diagnosing atypical hyperplasia usually requires a breast biopsy, which is a procedure that removes a sample of breast tissue to be observed. Additionally, imaging techniques such as mammography or ultrasound may be administered to pinpoint areas of concern. If an imaging scan reveals an area of doubt, a biopsy may be suggested to determine if atypical hyperplasia is present.
In some cases, symptoms like breast pain, nipple discharge, or a lump in the breast may be experienced by women with atypical hyperplasia. Nevertheless, these signs may be caused by something else, so it’s important to consult a physician if unusual changes in the breast tissue are noticed.
It’s essential for those with atypical hyperplasia to partake in regular breast cancer screening, which includes mammograms and clinical breast exams. Doing so can assist in discovering any modifications in the breast tissue that might point to the emergence of breast cancer.
If you’ve received a diagnosis of atypical hyperplasia, it is crucial to collaborate with your doctor to create a unique program for breast cancer monitoring and risk management. If you want to learn more about breast cancer screening or the signs of breast cancer, the American Cancer Society and Breastcancer.org offer great sources of information.
Atypical Hyperplasia and Breast Cancer Risk
Ladies with atypical hyperplasia are more likely to acquire breast cancer than those without the issue, according to the American Cancer Society. This likelihood is reportedly four to five times higher than the general populace. The exact cause of this heightened risk of breast cancer is not entirely known, yet studies have demonstrated that women with atypical hyperplasia are more prone to developing the disease than those without the issue, and this hazard carries on for quite a few years after the initial diagnosis.
The amount of risk associated with atypical hyperplasia in terms of breast cancer can differ depending on a variety of elements, such as the type and grade of atypical hyperplasia, a woman’s age, and her family history of breast cancer. That being said, women with atypical hyperplasia may require more regular or more rigorous breast cancer screening than those without it.
It is necessary for women with atypical hyperplasia to discuss their individual risk for breast cancer with their healthcare provider and plan out a screening and risk management strategy that is suited to their particular needs.
Managing Your Risk
There are a few tactics that women with atypical hyperplasia can employ to decrease their odds of getting breast cancer. These may include:
Getting regular check-ups: Women with atypical hyperplasia need to have consistent mammograms and physical examinations of their breasts to look for any changes that might suggest the presence of breast cancer. In some cases, extra imaging tests such as an MRI may be recommended.
Researching risk-reducing medications: Women with atypical hyperplasia may be advised to use drugs like tamoxifen or raloxifene to minimize their risk of breast cancer. These medications work by blocking the effects of estrogen on breast tissue.
Considering surgical intervention: In some cases, women with atypical hyperplasia may decide to get preventive surgery such as a mastectomy in order to reduce their breast cancer risk. This is a highly personal decision that should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.
Women experiencing atypical hyperplasia should collaborate with their physician to draw up a tailored strategy for breast cancer screening and risk control. The plan should reflect considerations such as the patient’s age, any history of breast cancer in her family, and her overall well-being.
In addition to these strategies, there are some lifestyle changes that may help reduce the risk of breast cancer. These may include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Quitting smoking
Even though it’s impossible to completely eliminate the danger of breast cancer through lifestyle modifications, they can still help improve general wellbeing and cut the risk of contracting other diseases.
Final Thoughts
Women diagnosed with atypical hyperplasia are more prone to getting breast cancer. However, with timely screening and the appropriate risk management strategies, these women can manage their risk and maintain their breast health.
That being said, it is imperative to stay in contact with your healthcare provider to devise a tailored plan for breast cancer screening and risk management. Knowing your risk and being involved in your health care can help you take the necessary steps to reduce your risk of breast cancer and keep your breast health in check.
If you want to learn more about the potential risks of breast cancer, how to monitor it, or how to manage it, then the American Cancer Society and Breastcancer.org are excellent sources to check out. Additionally, high-quality medical and scientific journals can provide detailed information on the most up-to-date studies and discoveries concerning breast cancer risk and treatment.
By staying informed and consulting your doctor, you can be in control of your breast health and reduce your risk of developing the disease.
References:
- American Cancer Society. (2022). Atypical Hyperplasia of the Breast. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/understanding-a-breast-cancer-diagnosis/types-of-breast-cancer/atypical-hyperplasia.html
- Breastcancer.org. (2022). Atypical Hyperplasia. Retrieved from https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/atypical_hyperplasia
- Hartmann LC, Degnim AC, Santen RJ, et al. Atypical hyperplasia of the breast–risk assessment and management options. N Engl J Med. 2015;372(1):78-89. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1403772
- Visscher DW, Frost MH, Hartmann LC, et al. Clinicopathologic features of breast cancers that develop in women with previous benign breast disease. Cancer. 2017;123(9):1662-1670. doi:10.1002/cncr.30565
- Shaaban AM, Sloane JP, West CR, et al. Histopathologic types of benign breast lesions and the risk of breast cancer: case-control study. Am J Surg Pathol. 2002;26(4):421-430. doi:10.1097/00000478-200204000-00002
- Dupont WD, Page DL. Risk factors for breast cancer in women with proliferative breast disease. N Engl J Med. 1985;312(3):146-151. doi:10.1056/NEJM198501173120304
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Anya Gupta received her B.S. in Biological Sciences from New York University (NYU), her Masters from, Michigan State University, and is currently pursuing her PhD in Molecular Cancer Biology (MCB) at Duke University. She has a strong love for animals and wildlife, science, volunteering, and exotic coffee. Her life’s motto… “Semper Fidelis!”