High-Risk Benign Breast Lesions: Current Strategies in Management

BACKGROUND: High-risk benign breast lesions can create confusion for both the patient and the clinician. This paper reviews the characteristics of these lesions to help direct appropriate management. METHODS: The authors reviewed the literature regarding high-risk breast lesions and include management guidelines that we employ at our institute. RESULTS: High-risk breast lesions offer varying degrees of increased risk for the future development of breast cancer. Chemoprevention may be used to help decrease the risks from some lesions. CONCLUSIONS: The management of high-risk benign breast lesions can be confusing. Clinicians should assess the risk of future breast cancer and develop a proper screening and prevention strategy for each individual patient.