
When it comes to comprehensive breast care in Tucson, AZ, Tucson Breast Health Specialists provide personalized medical and surgical treatment options for high-risk breast lesions. Dr. Michele Ley, a board-certified breast surgical oncologist in Tucson, helps patients through minimally invasive techniques and advanced surgical procedures.
High-Risk Lesions and Your Risk Level
Understanding your risk for breast cancer involves evaluating various factors, including familial and genetic factors, biopsy findings, and high-risk assessments. Tucson Breast Health Specialists help you comprehensively assess and understand your breast cancer risk factors.
Risk Assessment
Breast pathology features often indicate the risk of breast cancer and are usually discovered through imaging findings biopsied with a needle or surgery. Some cases may require further surgical evaluation or treatment. We categorize different breast pathologies based on their potential to increase your risk:
Breast Findings With No Increased Risk of Breast Cancer
Cyst
Fluid-filled sac from a dilated duct.
Duct Ectasia
Scarring and blockage of a milk duct with or without nipple discharge.
Mild Epithelial Hyperplasia
Abnormal increased growth and number of cells in ducts or lobules.
Fibrocystic Changes
Dense breast tissue that feels ropey or lumpy. On biopsy, it shows dense connective tissue with numerous small cysts.
Fat Necrosis
Caused by damaged or disintegrating fatty tissues. This may be related to prior procedures.
Lipoma
A benign, soft tumor composed of fat cells.
Fibroadenoma
Rubbery benign mass. Commonly seen with hormonal changes such as puberty and menopause.
Slightly Increased Risk of Breast Cancer (1.5-2 Times Increased Risk)
Hyperplasia – Moderate or Florid
Abnormal increased growth and number of cells in the duct or lobule.
Papilloma
Papillary cells that grow from the wall of a duct or cyst into the lumen; may cause discharge. Resembles a cauliflower in appearance.
Sclerosing Adenosis
Excessive growth of breast tissue and scar in breast lobules.
Radial Scar/Complex Sclerosing Lesion
Area of hardening in the breast that can resemble cancer on a mammogram.
Moderately Increased Risk of Breast Cancer (4-5 Times Increased Risk)
Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia
Too many cells line the wall of the milk duct, and cells are abnormal.
Atypical Lobular Hyperplasia
Too many cells line the milk gland lobule wall, and cells are abnormal.
High Risk of Breast Cancer (8-10 Times Increased Risk)
Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS)
Abnormal cell growth in the lobules or milk glands that can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. A pre-cancerous lesion
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)
The earliest form of breast cancer with cancerous cells contained within the milk duct.
Contact Us
If you are concerned about your risk of developing breast cancer, Dr. Ley and the team at Tucson Breast Health Specialists are here to help. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please contact Tucson Breast Health Specialists in Tucson, AZ, today. By providing comprehensive risk assessments and personalized care in Tucson, we aim to empower you with the knowledge and support needed to navigate your breast health journey effectively.
Michele Ley, MD, FACS
Dr. Michele Ley, a breast surgical oncologist in Tucson since 2006, combines compassionate care with cutting-edge techniques to provide personalized treatment plans for breast cancer and high-risk patients. With a medical degree from St. Louis University, residency at the University of Arizona, and fellowship at UC San Francisco, Dr. Ley is board-certified in General Surgery and a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. Her experience as a medical director for breast programs and her own journey as a breast cancer survivor at age 44 uniquely position her to offer empathetic and expert care to her patients.