High-Risk Biopsies

High-Risk Biopsies

High-risk benign breast abnormalities are conditions that may increase your risk for developing cancer in the future. If you have a high-risk benign tumor or lesion, your physician may recommend surgical removal.

Types of high-risk benign biopsy results include:

• Atypical ductal hyperplasia
• Atypical lobular hyperplasia
• Lobular carcinoma in situ, which is another type of abnormal cellular growth in the lobules
• Radial scars, which are abnormal growths that look like scar tissue
• Complex sclerosing lesion, which is abnormal growth of ducts and glands around a central scar, even if you have not had surgery or trauma to your breast

Surgical removal is recommended for some, but not all these high-risk benign growths. For example, atypical lobular hyperplasia can often just be observed over time. Your Northwestern Medicine team will work with you to come up to a care plan tailored to your individual needs.