Pseudoangiomatous Stromal Hyperplasia (PASH)

PASH is a benign (not cancer) breast condition.

It’s more common in premenopausal women - women who haven’t been through the menopause. But it can affect women of any age. PASH can also affect men, but this is rare.

It’s not known what causes PASH, but it’s thought it might be linked to hormonal changes in the body.

In premenopausal women, PASH on its own is usually felt as a painless lump in the breast. The size of the lump can vary.

In post-menopausal women (women who have been through the menopause), PASH may be found by chance during a routine screening mammogram.

PASH can also be found by chance at the same time as other benign breast conditions.

PASH is diagnosed using a range of tests. These may include:

• A mammogram
• An ultrasound scan
• A core biopsy (several tissue samples may be taken at the same time)
• Fine needle aspiration (FNA)

In most cases you won’t need any treatment or follow-up if you have PASH. Usually you’ll only be asked to go back to your GP or the breast clinic if have a lump and it gets bigger or you notice a change.

If the area of PASH is large or gets bigger, you may need an excision biopsy. This will usually be done under general anaesthetic.

Having PASH does not increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

It’s important to continue to be breast aware, and to go back to your GP if you notice any changes in your breasts, however soon this is after your diagnosis of PASH.

Having PASH may make you feel anxious and in need of further support.

If you have any questions about PASH or would just like to talk it through with an expert, you can call our free helpline - see below.