Atypical cells v. other abnormalities

How significant are ATYPICAL CELLS?  My second surgery came back stating this finding, with only a small margin around them.  Will radiation take care of them?  Are there several types of atypical cells?  I was told they're definitely not cancer.

Thank you!

[PaulMD]

Hi.

while atypical cells are definitely not cancer, they are not a hundred percent benign either.  Atypical cells may be the early stages in cancer development, and having these may increase your risk of developing invasive breast cancer in the future.  Aside from radiation, you can ask your doctor about other breast cancer risk reduction strategies such as that of hormonal treatment with tamoxifen or raloxifene.  Other breast conditions that may increase the risk of invasive cancer would include DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ).

Regards.