WHAT IS LOBULAR CARCINOMA IN SITU?

What is Lobular Carcinoma in Situ or LCIS?

Lobular carcinoma in situ or LCIS is a non-invasive breast condition. LCIS is the name for abnormal cells that are contained to the lobules (milk glands) of the breast. It is considered a breast change, and not breast cancer.

What are the Symptoms of Lobular Carcinoma in Situ?

LCIS cannot usually be felt as a breast lump and does not usually present with symptoms sometimes seen in invasive breast cancers. Changes due to LCIS are only sometimes found on a mammogram.

Most cases of LCIS are found when a patient is undergoing a breast biopsy for another reason. Most patients are not aware of any symptoms at the time of diagnosis.

How is Lobular Carcinoma in Situ Diagnosed?

LCIS cannot usually be felt in the breast and usually isn’t visible on a mammogram. LCIS is diagnosed by a biopsy, where small pieces of breast tissue are removed and checked under a microscope in the lab.

How is Lobular Carcinoma in Situ Treated?

LCIS does not require treatment if there are no other abnormal changes to the breast. This is because LCIS typically does not spread beyond the lobule and become invasive breast cancer if it isn’t treated.

However, a woman with LCIS should be carefully monitored as having LCIS increases the chance of developing breast cancer in future. If you have been diagnosed with LCIS, your doctor may recommend more frequent physical exams and screening to monitor your breasts for signs of cancer.

In some cases, breast conserving surgery or preventative medication may be recommended to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer developing in the future.

Is Lobular Carcinoma in Situ Life-Threatening?

Like DCIS, although these abnormal changes can turn into invasive cancer cells, it is not classified as breast cancer as we generally understand it. A woman cannot die from LCIS as the cells are contained to the lobules of the breast.