Breast Cancer Risk Factors
There are conditions that may increase your risk of developing breast cancer, such as:
Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia, or ADH, occurs when normal cells in the milk ducts of the breasts undergo an abnormal change in number, size, shape and appearance.
While not a form of breast cancer, ADH can increase your risk for developing cancer later on. If the abnormal cells are left untreated, they may become cancerous and can spread to surrounding breast tissue and other areas of the body.
Diagnosis of Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia. ADH typically does not cause any signs or symptoms. It is typically found during a breast biopsy, when a tissue sample is removed from the breast to evaluate abnormalities found on a mammogram.
Treating Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia. Treating ADH generally involves surgery. At Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic, our breast surgeons will remove the abnormal cells and can also confirm whether cancer is present in the breast.
Our breast health team will advise you of your options about how to manage ADH post-surgery. These options may include follow-up appointments and tests to screen for breast cancer, preventive medications, invitation to participate in clinical trials, and providing education on how to reduce your risk for breast cancer.
A radial scar of the breast is a benign breast lesion that can radiologically mimic cancer. It can be associated with atypia and/or cancer and may be an independent risk factor for the development of cancer in either breast.
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is an area (or areas) of abnormal cell growth in the lobules of the breast. LCIS isn’t cancer, but does increase the risk of developing invasive breast cancer later on in life. Women with LCIS should be followed closely and may be recommended to have a surgical excision. They may also benefit from medications to help lower their breast cancer risk.
Atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) occurs in the epithelial cells lining the lobes of the breast. Instead of one, even layer of uniformly shaped cells, overgrowth yields several layers, with some cells being irregular in shape and size. Atypical lobular hyperplasia is not breast cancer, but it is considered a sign of increased risk of breast cancer development.