Focal Florid Duct Hyperplasia

[Perki26]

I'm a 29 year old female with a history of breast cancer on my father's side (my grandmother and her sister, both around the age of 50). I started menstruating at the age of 8, if you can imagine that, and have not yet had children. I understand that all of these elements (except perhaps my father's mother) all contribute to an increased risk of breast cancer.

I discovered my first lump in my right breast, to your left of the nipple (not toward my underarm) this past summer. My ultrasound showed what they thought was a 2cm fibroadenoma and my needle aspiration came back with mildly atypical cells. Because the "fibro" was as large as it was, and I guess because the cells were atypical, the specialist decided to remove the lump.

The pathology for my excisional biopsy showed a "well circumscribed nobule measuring 2x2.2x2 cm with "no architectual features of fibroadenoma" and no diplasia or infiltrating carcinoma. Instead, the diagnosis was focal florid duct hyperplasia.

My doctor seemed positive enough, but didn't explain this diagnosis to me and I've been running around the internet scaring myself.

I wonder if someone might give me some details on this diagnosis? What is it exactly, and what does it mean as far as risks for breast cancer are concerned?

Many Thanks

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Perki26, This is a benign (non-cancerous) finding.  Hyperplasia describes a condition where there are more than the usual layers of tissue.  There are no atypical cells seen, which is good. Focal means that the area is contained. Florid features are present, this finding would indicate a slight increase of risk of breast cancer compared to a woman without this finding.

[mrsmdd]

A related discussion, will i develop breast cancer was started.