What exactly is "abnormal cells" and hyperplasia

[madgeOwens]

My surgeon said the pathology came back with hyperplasia, a polyp and "abnormal cells".  When I google abnormal cells every time cancer comes for the search. Can anyone tell me what abnormal cells can mean if not cancer?
I am to have lumpectomy next.

[madgeOwens]

Thank you so mych. I remember he did say I was high risk at this point. Its funny how you forget things they tell you, especially the point that should alarm you haha...oh well.thanks for jogging my mind with those definitions.  I guess its still wait and see. Thanks again

[rockchalk76]

Dear Madge - I am scheduled to see a breast surgeon tomorrow and hopefully will finally learn how we are going to proceed.  Although I have taken histology, I could not give you a good answer to your question after all these years.  I felt it was a term that I needed to relearn in case I see this on my pathology report.  I retrieved this from the cancer.org site:
"Hyperplasia: Hyperplasia (also known as epithelial hyperplasia or proliferative breast disease) is an overgrowth of the cells that line either the ducts or the lobules. When hyperplasia involves the duct, it is called ductal hyperplasia or duct epithelial hyperplasia. When it affects the lobule, it is referred to as lobular hyperplasia. Atypical hyperplasia (or hyperplasia with atypia) is a term used to describe cells that are slightly distorted in how they are arranged.

Based on how the cells look under the microscope, hyperplasia may be grouped as:

    * mild hyperplasia
    * hyperplasia of the usual type (without atypia) -- also known as usual hyperplasia
    * atypical hyperplasia -- either atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) or atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH)

A woman with mild hyperplasia is not at increased risk for breast cancer. A woman with usual hyperplasia has a slightly higher chance of developing breast cancer. The risk is 1 ½ to 2 times that of a woman with no breast abnormalities. The risk for a woman with atypical hyperplasia is 4 to 5 times higher than that of a woman with no breast abnormalities. (See the section, “How Benign Breast Conditions Affect Breast Cancer Risk” for more information.)"
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6X_Non_Cancerous_Breast_Conditions_59.asp

[madgeOwens]

Yes they sent the specimens for a second opinion to pathologists, and it was atypical cells and hyperplasia...I am to be scheduled for a lumpectomy next....my surgeon said he didnt think I would have to have chemo but maybe radiation, if they find cancer. Thank you for your reply.  I think he is thinking they got this early so it would not be invasive...but I am guessing at that.

[zouzi]

Hi Madge.I've been following your posts and although I am not very familiar with the situation you are in,the word" polyp" reminds me of the intervention I had regarding polyps on my vocal cords and inside my nose.My surgeon assured me that most polyps are benign.So I hope that once you'll have your lumpectomy,everything will turn in your favor.I still have to wait three more days for my scheduled second mammogram and my first ultra sound(the 28th)God only knows what they'll find!!Please pray for me,I'm so edgy and worried!!All the best to you Madge.

[sor19]

Hyperplasia means proliferation of cells in the tissue (i-e) increase in the number of cell than normal. Some cells show hyperplastic nature untill the growth spurt and when its over they stop increasing in size while some cells are hyperplastic in nature irrespective of anything. So, hyperplastic cells are actually abnormal in nature. And if you are recommended for a surgery then you should go for it .
          All the best.

[PaulMD]

Hi.

Abnormal cells can range from benign abnormal cells, to precancerous or frankly cancerous abnormal cells.  Cells that do not look like the usual cells found around them are deemed abnormal, but this does not automatically translate to cancer.

Hyperplasia is an 'abnormal' proliferation of cells which is usually benign in nature (meaning, this is not cancerous).  What is more worrisome is if there are 'atypical' cells, and you should clarify with the pathologist if this is what they meant by 'abnormal'.  Atypical cells can be a pre-cancerous lesion and should be excised (via lumpectomy).

Regards.