Hyperplasia (also known as epithelial hyperplasia or proliferative breast disease) is an overgrowth of the cells that line either the ducts or the lobules. When hyperplasia is in the duct, it is called ductal hyperplasia or duct epithelial hyperplasia. When it affects the lobule, it is referred to as lobular hyperplasia.
Atypical hyperplasia (or hyperplasia with atypia) is a term used to describe cells that are slightly distorted in how they are arranged.
Hyperplasia is usually diagnosed with a core needle biopsy or surgical biopsy. Based on how the cells look under the microscope, hyperplasia may be grouped as:
- Mild hyperplasia: This does not increase the risk for breast cancer
- Hyperplasia of the usual type (without atypia), also known as usual hyperplasia: The risk of breast cancer is about 1½ to 2 times that of a woman with no breast abnormalities.
- Atypical hyperplasia (either atypical ductal hyperplasia [ADH] or atypical lobular hyperplasia [ALH]): The risk of breast cancer is about 4 to 5 times higher than that of a woman with no breast abnormalities.
A diagnosis of hyperplasia, especially atypical hyperplasia, usually means you will need to see your doctor more often. This may mean more frequent breast exams and a special effort to get yearly mammograms, because some types of hyperplasia are linked to a higher risk of breast cancer in the future. Ask your doctor whether your risk is high enough that you need breast MRI scans along with your screening mammograms.
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