What is breast cancer? Breast cancer is a general term used to describe a group of malignant (cancerous) tumours that develop from cells normally found in the breast. A malignant tumour is made up of abnormal cells that have the ability to invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body. The most …
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Background: Fibrocystic change (FCC) is a term used to describe a group of non-cancerous changes that often develop together in the breast. These changes include cysts, fibrosis, apocrine metaplasia, and adenosis. It is a common finding seen in up to 60% of reproductive-aged women. Another name for this condition is fibrocystic disease. What causes fibrocystic …
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Background: Flat epithelial atypia (FEA) is a non-cancerous condition that develops in the breast. This change can only be seen after a pathologist examines breast tissue under the microscope. FEA is a common condition, and it is often seen in breast tissue removed for another reason. What are the symptoms of flat epithelial atypia? FEA …
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Phyllodes tumour is a rare type of breast tumour. Most phyllodes tumours will behave like non-cancerous tumours. However, a small number (approximately 10%) will behave like cancer. This behaviour includes the ability to spread through the normal tissue in the breast and to other parts of the body. The entire tumour must be removed surgically …
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Background; Usual ductal hyperplasia (UDH) is a benign (non-cancerous) condition that occurs in the ducts of the breast. It involves an increase in the number of cells lining the ducts. What are the symptoms of usual ductal hyperplasia? Most patients with UDH do not have any symptoms, and UDH alone cannot be seen when a …
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Background: A fibroadenoma is a non-cancerous type of breast tumour and the most common in women under 40. If removed completely, the tumour will not occur again. However, new fibroadenomas may develop in the same breast or the breast on the opposite side of the body. What are the symptoms of a fibroadenoma? Fibroadenomas are …
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Invasive lobular carcinoma is a type of breast cancer that commonly starts from a non-cancerous growth of abnormal breast cells called lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). LCIS can be present for months or years before turning into invasive lobular carcinoma. Patients with a previous diagnosis of LCIS are at a higher risk of developing it. What …
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Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive type of breast cancer. The tumour starts from specialized epithelial cells in the glands and ducts of the breast. DCIS is called non-invasive because, after careful microscopic examination, cancer cells were found only on the inside of the ducts and glands. If left untreated, patients with DCIS …
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Papillary lesion of the breast is a term pathologists use to describe a group of breast tumours that look similar when examined under the microscope. This group includes both non-cancerous tumours and cancers. Papillary lesion is a preliminary diagnosis. Typically, the entire tumour needs to be removed and examined before a final diagnosis can be …
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A radial scar, also known as a complex sclerosing lesion, is a non-cancerous growth in the breast characterized by an increased number of glands and ducts around a central scar. Although non-cancerous, this condition is associated with a small increased risk of developing breast cancer when compared to women without radial scars. What are the …
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