What unwanted proliferation of cells can occur in breast tissue?

Hyperplasia refers to an increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ, resulting in its enlargement. In the context of breast tissue, hyperplasia can occur when there is an excessive proliferation of cells in the lobules or ducts. This can be a response to hormonal stimulation or other factors and is particularly relevant in mammography since certain forms of hyperplasia, such as atypical hyperplasia, can be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

Understanding hyperplasia is crucial for mammography professionals, as identifying benign conditions versus those that may predate malignancy can significantly impact patient care. In breast imaging, hyperplastic changes might present as areas of density that require further evaluation through various imaging modalities or biopsy to rule out other pathologies.

The other processes mentioned—necrosis, apoptosis, and metaplasia—do not reflect an unwanted proliferation of cells like hyperplasia does. Necrosis is associated with cell death due to injury or disease, apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that is typically a controlled process, and metaplasia involves a change in cell type rather than an increase in cell numbers.