A guide to diagnosis and treatment [www.QinSen.com]
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Hyperplasia is a benign breast condition caused by increased growth in the size and number of normal cells within a part of the breast. [www.QinSen.com]
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It can occur in the ducts (ductal hyperplasia) or the lobes (lobular hyperplasia). [www.QinSen.com]
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Atypical hyperplasia [www.QinSen.com]
A diagnosis of atypical ductal hyperplasia or atypical lobular hyperplasia means that the cells have developed an unusual pattern.

Extremely unusual cell changes are called lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). This is not a true cancer but an in-between stage where the abnormal cells fill up the lobes.

Find out more about LCIS from the link below.

As the abnormal cells in the ducts or lobes have the potential to spread to the surrounding tissue, atypical hyperplasia and LCIS have been shown to increase slightly the risk of developing breast cancer in the future.

This risk is further increased when there is a history of breast cancer in the family.

You can find out more about inherited or ‘familial’ breast cancer from the link below.

Diagnosis
Hyperplasia is usually found by chance at the breast clinic when the tissue from a biopsy or breast surgery is examined under the microscope in the laboratory.

Treatment
If the type of hyperplasia you have shows no increased risk of breast cancer in the future you will not need any treatment or follow-up.

If you have atypical hyperplasia or LCIS, your specialist is likely to want you to join a follow-up programme of regular clinic visits and a mammogram every one to two years.

Surgery to remove the abnormal area may also be an option if your specialist feels it necessary.

What this means
Even if your hyperplasia does not require further treatment it is still important to be breast aware and return to your GP if you notice any further changes.

Atypical hyperplasia or LCIS does not mean you will necessarily develop breast cancer in the future. However, it is important to attend your regular follow-up appointments and continue to be breast aware.