Apocrine metaplasia

Apocrine Metaplasia is a benign (non-cancerous) change, or metaplasia, that occurs in the breast tissue. It is often associated with fibrocystic changes and is not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

Overview

Apocrine metaplasia is a type of metaplasia of the breast where certain cells change to another type. Specifically, some of the glandular cells in the breast change into apocrine cells. These are a type of cell normally found in the sweat glands, mammary glands, and some other parts of the body.

Causes

The exact cause of apocrine metaplasia is not known. However, it is often associated with fibrocystic changes in the breast. Fibrocystic changes are benign changes in breast tissue that can cause lumps or cysts. These changes are very common and are not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

Symptoms

Apocrine metaplasia does not typically cause any symptoms. It is usually discovered during a routine mammogram or during a biopsy for another condition.

Diagnosis

Apocrine metaplasia is usually diagnosed through a biopsy. This involves taking a small sample of breast tissue and examining it under a microscope. The presence of apocrine cells in the breast tissue indicates apocrine metaplasia.

Treatment

No specific treatment is needed for apocrine metaplasia. Since it is not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, it is typically just monitored during regular mammograms.

See Also

• Breast cancer
• Fibrocystic Breast Changes
• Metaplasia
• Mammogram