Beyond fibrocystic disease: the evolving concept of pre-malignant breast cancer

ABSTRACT

There is a broad spectrum of benign and pre-malignant breast disease that may be diagnosed on biopsy. Some of these conditions place affected women at significantly increased risk for breast cancer, particularly the atypical hyperplasias. All health care workers should be aware of recent developments in this important aspect of breast disease. The classification, criteria for diagnosis, associated risks for cancer development and various controversies related to these benign and borderline breast diseases are discussed.(AU)