Most breast symptoms are due to benign disease and are unlikely to be cancer.
Benign lesions can be classified as non-proliferative, proliferative and atypical.
Upon obtaining a benign diagnosis the risks of breast cancer are ascertained and a plan of action is established.
Individual circumstance will dictate the final plan.
Options may include surgery, clinical or imaging review and routine follow up.

Non-proliferative

• These include:– cysts, fibrocystic change, usual type hyperplasia and fibroadenoma
• No increased risk of breast cancer
• Routine follow is usually all that is required

Proliferative

• These include:– papilloma, radial scar, complex sclerosing lesion, complex fibroadenoma
• 5 – 2 times increased risk of cancer
• May require excision biopsy to exclude malignancy (10-15% will be upgraded on excision)
• May require increased imaging and clinical follow up

Atypical

• These include:– atypical ductal hyperplasia, atypical lobular hyperplasia
• 4-5 times increased risk of cancer
• Usually require excision (30% will have more significant lesion)
• May require increased imaging and clinical follow up