Atypical Hyperplasia – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Atypical hyperplasia occurs when abnormal cells accumulate in breast tissue. These cells, while not cancerous, appear different from normal breast cells when examined microscopically.
This condition serves as an important warning sign, indicating a higher risk of developing breast cancer in the future.
Understanding this condition helps patients make informed decisions about their breast health. The presence of atypical hyperplasia doesn’t mean cancer will develop, but it does signal the need for vigilant monitoring and potentially preventive measures.
Signs and Symptoms
Atypical hyperplasia in breast tissue typically doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms. Most people with this condition don’t know they have it.
This condition is usually discovered during a breast biopsy, which involves removing some breast cells for laboratory testing.
Doctors often recommend a biopsy when they find something concerning on a mammogram or ultrasound. Sometimes a biopsy might be performed to check a breast lump or other breast concern.
When to Talk to a Healthcare Provider
If you notice any unusual changes in your breasts that worry you, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. It’s always better to have concerning symptoms checked, even if they turn out to be nothing serious.
Causes
Atypical hyperplasia of the breast develops when breast cells undergo DNA changes. These DNA alterations give cells instructions to multiply rapidly, creating a buildup of cells.
At the same time, these cells become “atypical,” meaning they look different from normal breast cells under a microscope.
Scientists believe atypical hyperplasia represents an early step in the potential development of breast cancer. The theory suggests that if these atypical cells continue to grow and acquire additional DNA changes, they might eventually transform into cancer cells.
However, researchers still need to conduct more studies to fully understand this process.
This condition can occur in two main areas of breast tissue:
-
Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia: Affects the breast ducts (the tubes that carry milk to the nipple).
- More common type
- Involves abnormal cell growth within these milk-carrying channels
-
Atypical Lobular Hyperplasia: Affects the breast lobules (the milk-producing glands).
- Less common variant
- Involves abnormal cell growth in the milk-making structures
Both types increase a person’s risk of developing breast cancer later in life. The treatment approaches for both forms of atypical hyperplasia are generally similar, focusing on monitoring and reducing breast cancer risk.
Medical experts have not identified a clear cause for atypical hyperplasia. The condition appears to begin with cellular DNA changes, but what triggers these initial changes remains unknown.
Risk Factors
Several factors may increase the chance of developing atypical hyperplasia of the breast, a non-cancerous cell growth condition. While not everyone with these factors will develop the condition, they can raise your risk:
- Family Breast Cancer History: If you have a parent, brother, sister, or child who has had breast cancer, you may face a higher risk of developing atypical hyperplasia or other benign breast conditions before menopause.
- Hormone Therapy for Menopause: Using certain hormone medications to manage menopause symptoms can increase your likelihood of developing atypical hyperplasia and other non-cancerous breast conditions.
These risk factors are similar to those for other benign breast diseases.
Complications
Atypical hyperplasia of the breast significantly increases breast cancer risk. People diagnosed with this condition face about four times higher risk compared to those without it. This elevated risk applies to both atypical ductal hyperplasia and atypical lobular hyperplasia.
The cancer risk grows over time after diagnosis. Research shows approximately 30% of individuals with atypical hyperplasia develop breast cancer within 25 years of their initial diagnosis.
To put this in perspective:
| Time Frame | Risk Level |
|---|---|
| 25 years after diagnosis | ~30% develop breast cancer |
| ~70% do not develop breast cancer |
This means for every 100 people diagnosed with atypical hyperplasia, about 30 will develop breast cancer over the following 25 years, while 70 will not.
Ways to Reduce Risk
Talk to Your Doctor About Breast Screenings
Discuss with your healthcare provider when you should begin breast cancer screenings. Each person has different risk factors, so it’s important to have a conversation about which screening tests make sense for you.
Together, you can weigh the benefits and risks to create a screening plan that works for your situation.
Learn How Your Breasts Normally Look and Feel
Take time to become familiar with your breasts through occasional self-exams. This helps you notice any new changes that might appear.
If you find something unusual—like a lump or other change—contact your healthcare provider right away. While self-exams can’t prevent breast cancer, they help you understand what’s normal for your body, making it easier to spot potential problems early.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
If you drink alcohol, try to have no more than one drink per day. For those concerned about breast cancer risk, remember that there is no completely safe level of alcohol consumption.
Some people may choose to avoid alcohol entirely as a preventive measure.
Exercise Regularly
Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
If you haven’t exercised recently, check with your doctor before starting and begin with gentle activities. Regular exercise has been linked to a lower breast cancer risk.
Types of Exercise to Consider:
- Brisk walking
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Dancing
- Yoga
Be Cautious With Hormone Therapy
Hormone treatments used for menopause symptoms may increase breast cancer risk.
If you’re considering hormone therapy, talk with your doctor about the potential benefits and risks.
For those experiencing uncomfortable menopause symptoms, the relief from hormone therapy might outweigh the risks. To minimize risk, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible.
Keep a Healthy Weight
If you’re already at a healthy weight, work to maintain it. If weight loss would benefit your health, speak with your doctor about creating a sustainable plan.
Focus on:
- Reducing calorie intake
- Gradually increasing physical activity
- Setting realistic goals
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important ways to reduce breast cancer risk, especially after menopause.
