Hello, and thank you for posting.

I was sorry to read that you needed to have breast cancer treatment a few years ago. I can imagine that was a difficult time.

In breast tissue, “atypical” refers to cells that look slightly different from normal cells under a microscope. It is important to know that these changes are not cancer, but they can mean there is a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer in the future. The most common types are: atypical ductal hyperplasia, where there is an abnormal overgrowth of cells in the milk duct and atypical lobular hyperplasia, where there is an overgrowth of abnormal cells in the breast lobules. You can read our information on atypical hyperplasia in a breast lump.

These changes are often found incidentally during surgery or biopsy and don’t usually cause symptoms. In many cases, especially when the atypical area has been fully removed and there’s no sign of cancer, no further treatment is needed.

It is best to discuss this with your breast care team, as they know your situation and will be able to clarify things for you.

I hope this reply and the link above is helpful. Please feel free to get back to us. You can also call and speak with one of our nurses on freephone 0808 800 4040 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday

Jemma