Benign tumors of the breast are non-cancerous growths that do not invade, damage or spread to surrounding or distant tissues or organs. Classification of benign tumors of the breast is based on whether the tumors are:
• Non-proliferative (meaning that they do not have a tendency to grow)
• Proliferative (also called hyperplasia, which means that the tumor has a tendency to grow), yet the cells of the lobes and ducts look otherwise normal.
• Proliferative (meaning that the tumor has a tendency to grow), and the tumor cells look somewhat abnormal (but not abnormal enough to be considered cancerous). This type of change in the tissue of the breast is called abnormal hyperplasia of the breast.
When all types of benign tumors of the breast are considered, women with benign tumors of the breast have a slightly higher (1.56 times higher) risk of developing breast cancer in the next 15 years, compared to that of women lacking any tumors of the breast.[1]
Women with non-proliferative tumors of the breast have a 1.27 times higher risk of developing breast cancer in the next 15 years, compared to that of women without any tumors of the breast.[1]
Women with proliferative changes but no other abnormalities in breast cells have almost twice as high (1.88 times higher) risk of developing breast cancer in the next 15 years, compared to that of women lacking tumors of the breast.[1]
Women with atypical hyperplasia of the breast have an approximately 4 times higher (4.24 times) risk of developing breast cancer in the next 15 years, compared to that of women lacking tumors of the breast.[1] However, women with atypical hyperplasia of the breast can consider preventative therapy, as well as improved methods for screening and early detection.
Not obsessing with worry is important for women with all types of benign tumors of the breast. A positive attitude and a healthy lifestyle are good steps in maintaining overall wellness.
REFERENCE
1. National Cancer Institute. Benign breast disease indicates relative risk for cancer. NCI Cancer Bulletin. 2005; 2(30):4.
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