Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia (ADH)

Having atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH - typically found on a needle biopsy performed for concerning calcifications on a mammogram) does indicate an increased risk for the future development of breast cancer. If ADH is found on a needle biopsy, most would recommend surgery to remove that area as there is a small possibility that a cancer might be present, just missed on the needle biopsy. If no cancer is present, options include close surveillance (which might include MRI exams in addition to mammograms) and consideration for the use of tamoxifen or raloxifene as preventative agents. It is important to understand that the increased risk for the future development of breast cancer can be in either breast, not just the one that had the ADH. Having atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH - typically found on a needle biopsy performed for concerning calcifications on a mammogram) does indicate an increased risk for the future development of breast cancer. If ADH is found on a needle biopsy, most would recommend surgery to remove that area as there is a small possibility that a cancer might be present, just missed on the needle biopsy. If no cancer is present, options include close surveillance (which might include MRI exams in addition to mammograms) and consideration for the use of tamoxifen or raloxifene as preventative agents. It is important to understand that the increased risk for the future development of breast cancer can be in either breast, not just the one that had the ADH.