Benign Breast Lumps As Harbingers

Study Shows Some Point To Higher Risk Of Cancer Later

(CBS)  But, Senay points out, two other types of benign tissue did come with an increased risk. Thirty percent of the women had benign but actively growing cells, and about four percent had atypical, or abnormal-looking cells that were actively growing. Even though they're considered benign, these cells are important to identify because they do elevate the risk of developing breast cancer. They need to be monitored closely and preventive measures could be considered.

After a woman gets a benign diagnosis from a breast biopsy, Senay says, age, family history and other risk factors help determine the best course of action. A woman needs to partner with her doctor to decide how to proceed. More frequent screening is often prescribed, even if the tissue is considered benign.

Highly abnormal benign growths are frequently removed as a precaution, and tamoxifen can also be prescribed to help prevent breast cancer. We still don't fully understand how and why breast cancer develops, and this study doesn't answer all the questions about the risks of benign lumps.

The American Cancer Society recommends a clinical breast exam by a doctor every three years for women 20 to 39, and a clinical breast exam and a mammogram every year for women 40 and older.

Women at higher risk because of family history or other factors may need other forms of evaluation and earlier intervention.