Atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) is a medical condition in which the cells which line the milk ducts of the breasts experience abnormal growth. This condition is not cancerous, but an incidence of atypical ductal hyperplasia can indicate an increased cancer risk for a woman. As a result, doctors usually recommend careful monitoring and follow-up in patients who have exhibited atypical ductal hyperplasia in one or both breasts.

The term “hyperplasia” is used to describe any increase in the number of cells in a particular region. A number of things can lead to hyperplasia, and the condition is often so benign that people don't even notice it. In other instances, the hyperplasia causes organ displacement, soreness, and other symptoms which make it noticeable. In the case of atypical ductal hyperplasia, the condition is usually diagnosed during routine mammograms.

On a mammogram, atypical ductal hyperplasia shows up as a small deposit around the milk duct. A doctor will usually ask to take a biopsy of the area to confirm that the growth is atypical ductal hyperplasia, to eliminate causes such as a malignant tumor. When the biopsy confirms that the patient has atypical ductal hyperplasia, the doctor may discuss a number of options with the patient.

The simplest option is to leave the site alone. Because this condition is not cancerous, it does not require treatment. However, doctors will usually recommend that their patients monitor their breasts carefully during monthly breast self exams, and patients may be encouraged to have clinical breast exams and mammograms on a more regular basis. By remaining vigilant, patient and physician can catch the signs of breast cancer early, if it emerges.

Some women choose to take prophylactic drugs if they develop atypical ductal hyperplasia, especially if their family members have a history of cancer. These drugs can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. More radically, a woman may opt for a preventative mastectomy. This is not a choice to be undertaken lightly, and it is generally only considered when a woman has a substantial family history of breast cancer along with other risk factors which elevate the probability of developing breast cancer.

By performing regular breast self exams and receiving recommend healthcare screening such as mammograms, women can identify atypical ductal hyperplasia and other health conditions early and make proactive choices about their health. Women should talk to their doctors about recommended preventative health screenings.