Micro papillary literally means little (micro) nipples (papillary). The cells lining your ducts are disorganized (same thing as atypical) and thicker (hyperplasia)...and in addition to that, the cells fold in toward the center of your duct and look like a bunch of little nipples (micro-papillary). Consider a drinking straw is like a duct - smooth on the inside and that is typical. If you are atypical the internal wall is thicker (creating a smaller tube) and no longer smooth...in your duct the internal cells lining the tube have built up on top of one another in the form of little nipples. Other people with atypical hyperplasia will just have thicker and the cells look unusual (ADH), others have thicker walls with some areas with holes - and the cells look unusual (ADH cribriform), and in others some cells make bridges between the sides of the wall - and the cells look unusual. Micro-papillary is just a very specific description of your cells. You probably already know ADH is a form of pre cancer that increases the risk of cancer...and if I remember correctly, the micro-papillary form further increases the risk. But don't worry - you've got this...it is not cancer yet and we have so many options for treatment nowadays. Your nurse will probably discuss options with you. I am 64, was diagnosed with ADH (just the thicker wall variety), and later LCIS, and my risk score jumped - and further jumped following genetic testing. I chose to have a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy (July 25) because I did not want to do high risk surveillance every six months (would have. made me nuts to wait for a diagnosis every six months), have further surgeries (two previous lumpectomies), and having a one and done seemed practical for me moving forward with my best life. Options are specific to each of our diagnosis and general health. Key is not to panic...your nurse, and sources like Mayo, will help you educate yourself on your treatment options - and of course will always be here for support. Good luck with your journey!