I was diagnosed with this several years before I actually had a confirmed tumor. Probably would just be vigilant and continue to monitor. It may never progress to anything more. I ended up with a lumpectomy and now I am out 9 years, I was given tamoxifen also.

I was recently diagnosed with atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) in my right breast. A year ago, I had Invasive DCIS in my left breast, which led to a lumpectomy, radiation, and chemo. I am currently on an aromatase inhibitor (Anastrozole) because of the cancer. As far as the ALH in my right breast, my surgical oncologist did not think surgery was required to remove the ALH since I am on Anastrozole already as well as being monitored every 6 months. Well, I wasn't comfortable with that decision because of having cancer in the left breast. I asked for a second opinion from Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston about what to do with ALH, and after they reviewed my scans/reports from the initial oncologist, they were in agreement that surgery was not needed since I am taking Anastrozole and that it isn't cancer. They also concurred with monitoring the breast closely. I hope this helps! Good luck with your journey and I wish you well!

I was diagnosed with atypical ductal hyperplasia after a lumpectomy for a radial scar. The focal area of ADH was removed in that procedure. I tried anastrozole and developed heart palpitations and severe anxiety, Came off meds and went for 2nd opinion at Dartmouth. I have made lifestyle changes-plant based diet, lost 40 lbs, and exercise daily so right now I am on the 6 month monitoring and no meds. If things change we will reevaluate. I have been told, and please others with knowledge jump in here, that if ADH is found on a core biopsy then surgery is often recommended to make sure nothing else is lurking in that area. Positive thoughts your way!

@keepshining2003, so hard to make these decisions, isn't it. I moved your question about continuing to monitor vs surgery vs tamoxifen to this existing discussion:
- Atypical lobular hyperplasia: Did you have surgery? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/atypical-lobular-hyperplasia/

I did this so you can read the previous helpful posts and connect easily with fellow members like @jdriver @delormv @leesal123, who have experience with atypical hyperplasia.

Is your leaning towards surgery or monitor and tamoxifen?

Hi, I was diagnosed with atypical lobular hyperplasia in my right breast. Had excisional biopsy to remove it on 12/30/22.Had genetic test done waiting for results and have an appointment with oncologist to see what she recommends.

@keepshining2003
I was diagnosed with atypical ductal hyperplasia which I think is similar. I had an excisional biopsy/ lumpectomy. I would have been prescribed tamoxifen but I have the factor five Leiden gene and the oncologist was worried about blood clots. I am taking Anastrozole and I don't seem to have any side effects after 4 months. I take it before I go to bed.
I was told tgey would like to keep me on it 5 yrs. I will also have mammograms every 6 months on that breast. Wishing you have a good outcome.

First I want to wish you luck in your journey! March 2022 I was told had Alh from a core biopsy. I was told it had to be removed though was only .5cm. I asked for a MRI first to double check what was there. I was told it wasn’t needed. The dr that did the core biopsy put in marker. They put in a guide wire for the lumpectomy. The dr that put in the guide
wire went from the top of my chest to the lower end of my breast then directed the wire to make a circle within a circle to hit the small mass. They also could not find the marker. The surgeon took out 27 grams of my breast. That is equal to holding 27 Pennie’s in your hand or 5.5 cm by 3 cm by 3.5 cm. Plus because the
Y could not find the marker they took out 3 more specimens the smallest being 3 x 3 x 3. I was a 34B. I now have a 34 mini breast on my left size. Guess what they found!!! Nothing!!!!! I would not have any surgery again without an MRI. I’m now wondering if the pathologist was incorrect on what she reported. All they found was some radio scar. I was told by a plastic surgeon I would need several operations to make me whole again. All this for a pea size spot. Medicare will only cover 1 surgery. 70 percent of women with Alh will never get cancer. I wish I had read more before they rushed me into surgery. Alh means you have a chance of getting cancer maybe. Hugs and prayers for you!