atypical hyperplasia(pre~ cancer or high risk) whats the diff?

[madgeOwens]

Sorry for repeating myself..................but

Atypical hyperplasia is not cancer or precancer but it may indicate a higher risk of getting cancer.

If it is higher risk of cancer then why is it not pre~ cancerous...its like splitting hairs/and very confusing...
Should I be worried?  I saw atypical hyperplasia, but surgeon said I am at higher risk but there is nothing bad in the pathology report..............so there you have my confusion.....

I feel like...you say potato and I say potata........etc ...........lets call the whole thing off....like Fred and Ginger would sing................

[madgeOwens]

Thank you so much, that helped tremendously!  I am nervous about my upcoming lumpectomy, but I feel empowered with the knowledge to face it head on. Thanks Doc your great!

[PaulMD]

Hi.

I understand that these can be all confusing but suffice to say, you should continue regular screening procedures such as mammograms or clinical breast examination as you really are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer in the future.

Atypical cells are a borderline between normal and cancer and is usually the earliest stage in cancer development.  The next step is what we call DCIS or ductal carcinoma in situ which is a pre-malignant lesion.  Full-blown invasive cancer such as invasive ductal carcinoma is the final stage in the spectrum.

Regards.