ALH specifically affects epithelial cells lining the walls of lobules.
Others at high risk of breast cancer may be advised to undergo surgery.
This article explains the symptoms and causes of atypical lobular hyperplasia, including how it is diagnosed and treated.
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It also describes the odds of getting breast cancer if diagnosed with ALH.
Most people are unaware they have ALH until they get the results of a routine mammogram.
This is because ALH doesn’t usually cause a lump.
If it does, it is usually very small and unlikely to be noticed during abreast self-exam.
Causes and Risk Factors of ALH
The exact cause of atypical lobular hyperplasia is unknown.
Scientists believe it is the result of lifetime exposure to the female sex hormoneestrogen.
It usually affects females in their 40s and can also affect men, albeit very rarely.
How Serious Is ALH and the Risk of Breast Cancer?
DCIS is a condition that affects the epithelial cells that line the walls of a breast lobule.
Carcinomas are cancers that specifically affect epithelial cells.
ALH is found in 5% to 20% of breast biopsies.
How Is Atypical Lobular Hyperplasia Treated?
This is called active surveillance.
This may include extra screeningmammogramsand/orbreast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)to identify any changes as early as possible.
For some, medication such astamoxifenand raloxifene may reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 70%.
Some people at high risk of breast cancer may have the ALH lesions removed just to be safe.
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