Understanding Your Pathology Report
Breast Cancer
Carcinoma is a term used to describe a cancer that starts in the lining layer (epithelial cells) of organs like the breast. Nearly all breast cancers are carcinomas. Most are the type of carcinoma that starts in glandular tissue called adenocarcinoma.
Benign Breast Conditions
Benign (non-cancer) breast changes can include adenosis, sclerosing adenosis, apocrine metaplasia, cysts, columnar cell change, columnar cell hyperplasia, collagenous spherulosis, duct ectasia, columnar alteration with prominent apical snouts and secretions (CAPSS), papillomatosis, or fibrocystic changes.
Atypical Hyperplasia
Hyperplasia is a term used when there is an abnormal pattern of growth of cells within the ducts and/or lobules of the breast that is not cancer. Some growths look more abnormal, and may be called atypical hyperplasia.
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
This term is used for the earliest stage of breast cancer, when it is confined to the layer of cells where it began.
Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is a type of in-situ carcinoma of the breast, but it is not considered a pre-cancer.