 |
 |
 |
|
||
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
Breast HealthBenign breast conditions and the risk for breast cancerMost benign breast changes do not increase a woman's risk for getting cancer. Recent studies show that only certain very specific types of microscopic changes put a woman at higher risk. These changes feature excessive cell growth, or hyperplasia.About 70 percent of the women who have a biopsy showing a benign condition have no evidence of hyperplasia. These women are at no increased risk for breast cancer. About 25 percent of benign breast biopsies show signs of hyperplasia, including conditions such as intraductal papilloma and sclerosing adenosis. Hyperplasia slightly increases the risk of developing breast cancer. The remaining 5 percent of benign breast biopsies reveal both excessive cell growth--hyperplasia--and cells that are abnormal--atypia. A diagnosis of atypical hyperplasia, as it is called, moderately increases breast cancer risk.
Source: The National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Click on the for more information button above to learn more about NCI.
Last modified on 04/10/2000 |
|
 Clinicians | Practices | All About Pregnancy | All About MidLife | Health & Wellness | Home  ©2001-2002 Women's Health USA, Inc. |