Is Excisional Biopsy and Chemoprevention Warranted in Patients with Atypical Lobular Hyperplasia on Core Biopsy?

Abstract

The management of atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) on core biopsy remains controversial. The upstaging rates after surgical excision vary. We reviewed our upgrade rates and use of chemoprevention for ALH. Patients were identified through our pathology database for ALH from 2006 to 2013. Patients were included in the study that had a diagnosis only of ALH on core needle biopsy. Tumor and patient characteristics and final pathology were analyzed. ALH was identified in 56 patients since 2006. Sixteen patients met the inclusion criteria. All the patients underwent surgical excision. Final pathology of the excised specimens confirmed ALH in 62 per cent (n = 11). Two cases contained lobular carcinoma in situ. The upgrade rate on excisional biopsy was 18.75 per cent (n = 3) to invasive cancer. Chemopreventative treatment was taken by 44 per cent of the patients. After a mean follow-up of three years, none of the patients who received chemoprevention developed breast cancer. One patient who refused tamoxifen developed breast cancer. This is one of the few studies to examine the current treatment of ALH. We noted a significant upstaging rate after excision. We recommend women to undergo surgical excision. Patients should also consider chemoprevention to reduce their risk for developing breast cancer.