[Anatomopathological problems of mastopathies at risk]

As breast cancer screening programmes gain momentum, there is a parallel increase in histological problems mainly related to the identification of an increasing number of "borderline" breast lesions. The results of recent studies are often inconsistent, and bear witness to the lack of a consensus regarding the interpretation of both ductal and lobular epithelial hyperplasia. The authors insist on the need for an adequate number of samples and an irreproachable histologic technique which is indispensible if the morphologic subtleties, currently the only valid factors permitting the diagnosis, are to be appraised. The role of the pathologist is therefore crucial in the management of specimens which are entrusted to him and in helping the clinician to tailor treatment to fit each individual patient.