Lobular carcinoma in situ may sound like a form of cancer, but it's really a sign that you have a greater chance of developing invasive (cancer has spread to the surrounding breast tissues) breast cancer in the future. LCIS is an area of abnormal tissue growth that remains confined to the lobules or milk glands at the base of the breast ducts, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
According to breastcancer.org, invasive lobular carcinoma, also known as infiltrating lobular carcinoma, is the second most common type of breast cancer after invasive ductal carcinoma, accounting for 10 percent of all invasive breast cancers. ILC most frequently occurs in women older than 60.
Causes
The Mayo Clinic says researchers aren't sure whether lobular carcinoma in situ is caused by genetic mutations or whether there is a connection between LCIS and a family history of breast cancer. As of 2209, no particular genes had been connected to the development of LCIS.
Symptoms
Lobular carcinoma in situ offers no signs or symptoms. The condition may be stumbled upon during a biopsy to examine a breast lump. Because LCIS is symptomless, the American Cancer Society says it's important for women to have routine mammograms and regular clinical breast exams.
Diagnosis
Lobular carcinoma in situ is most commonly diagnosed in women in their 40s. Your doctor may perform a needle biopsy to remove tissue samples that will be examined under a microscope. In some cases, imaging equipment such as ultrasound or mammography is used to help steer the needle during a biopsy.
Treatment
Careful observation is among the treatment options available for LCIS. The chances of developing invasive breast cancer in the first five years after diagnosis are small. You and your doctor may decide to keep a close watch on your breasts.
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) has been proven to notably lower the risk of developing invasive breast cancer. Raloxifene (Evista) has also been shown to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer including women with LCIS.
Surgery
A more radical approach to LCIS is to undergo a preventive (prophylactic) mastectomy. This surgery removes both breasts to lower your risk of developing invasive breast cancer.
Outlook
The National Cancer Institute says most women diagnosed with LCIS will never develop invasive breast cancer.
The Mayo Clinic says women with LCIS have a 10 to 20 percent chance of developing ILC during their lifetime.
Tags: breast cancer, invasive breast, invasive breast cancer, carcinoma situ, developing invasive
