Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (Lcis)

Abnormal cells can grow inside the milk-producing parts (lobules) of the breast. This is called lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). Crucially, LCIS isn't cancer itself. However, having LCIS means you have a higher chance of getting breast cancer later in life.

Often, LCIS doesn't show up on a standard breast X-ray (mammogram). Doctors usually find it when doing a breast biopsy for another reason, like a strange lump or an unusual finding on a mammogram.

Women with LCIS have a greater risk of getting invasive breast cancer in either breast. If you're diagnosed with LCIS, your doctor might suggest more frequent breast screenings to catch any potential problems early. Your doctor might also talk to you about ways to lower your risk of getting invasive breast cancer, such as certain medications or lifestyle changes.

LCIS, or lobular carcinoma in situ, is a condition where abnormal cells grow within the milk-producing glands of the breast. Crucially, LCIS itself typically doesn't cause any noticeable pain, lumps, or other symptoms. A doctor might find LCIS during a routine breast exam, perhaps after a biopsy to investigate a breast lump, or when looking at a mammogram that shows an unusual area. In other words, LCIS is often discovered unexpectedly during a check-up for something else.

If you notice any changes in your breasts, like a lump, skin that looks unusual or wrinkled, a thickened area, or discharge from your nipples, see your doctor right away.

Talk to your doctor about when and how often you should get breast cancer screenings. Most doctors recommend starting to think about regular breast cancer screenings in your 40s. However, the best time to start and how often to get them depends on your individual health and family history. Your doctor can help you decide what's best for you.

Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS) is a condition where some cells in the breast's milk-producing glands (lobules) have unusual genetic changes. These abnormal cells stay within the lobule and don't spread to other breast tissue.

Being diagnosed with LCIS doesn't automatically mean you have cancer. However, it does raise your chances of getting breast cancer later in life. It's like having a warning sign that increases your risk.

Studies show that women with LCIS have about a 20% chance of developing breast cancer. This means that if 100 women are diagnosed with LCIS, about 20 of them might develop breast cancer in the future. For comparison, the general risk of breast cancer in women is around 12%. So, about 12 out of every 100 women in the general population will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

Important Note: Your risk of getting breast cancer isn't just determined by LCIS. Many other factors play a role, like your family history, age, and lifestyle choices. Talking to your doctor is crucial to understanding your specific risk and how to best manage it.

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is a condition that can affect one or both breasts. It's often found by chance during a breast biopsy for something else. Most of the time, LCIS isn't visible on a mammogram.

Doctors use different types of biopsies to find out if you have LCIS. These biopsies take a small sample of tissue from your breast.

Here's how some of these breast biopsies work:

• Core needle biopsy: A doctor, like a radiologist or surgeon, uses a thin, hollow needle to get a few tiny pieces of tissue. They often use imaging like ultrasound or MRI to help them find the area they want to sample. This tissue sample is sent to a lab where specialists called pathologists look closely at the cells under a microscope. Pathologists are experts in analyzing body tissues. This is often done if a suspicious lump is found in the breast.

• Surgical biopsy: If needed, a surgeon can do a larger procedure to remove the suspicious area. This tissue is then sent to the lab to be examined by pathologists.

In both types of biopsies, the tissue samples are carefully examined by pathologists to see if LCIS is present.

Dealing with Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)

If you've been diagnosed with LCIS, you likely have questions about the best course of action. There's no single "right" answer, and your doctor will work with you to decide what's best for you. LCIS is a condition where abnormal cells are found in the milk-producing glands of the breast, but it's not yet considered cancer. However, it does increase your risk of developing breast cancer in the future.

Treatment Options

Several factors influence the choice of treatment, including your personal preferences, overall health, and the specific characteristics of your LCIS. Generally, there are three main approaches:

1. Careful Monitoring: This is often the first approach. Your doctor will recommend more frequent checkups to watch for any signs of cancer developing. This might include:

   • Regular breast self-exams: Learning how your breasts normally feel will help you notice any changes.
   • Annual clinical breast exams: A healthcare professional will examine your breasts.
   • Annual mammograms: An X-ray of your breasts to detect any abnormalities.
   • Other imaging tests: In some cases, your doctor might recommend additional imaging, such as breast MRI or molecular breast imaging, if you have a higher risk of breast cancer. Higher risk factors include a strong family history of the disease.

2. Preventive Therapy (Medications): This involves taking medications to lower your risk of developing breast cancer. These medications work in different ways:

   • Hormone Blockers: These medications, called Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs), prevent estrogen from attaching to breast cells, potentially slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Examples include tamoxifen, which can be used for both premenopausal and postmenopausal women, and raloxifene (Evista), primarily for postmenopausal women.

   • Reducing Estrogen Production: Aromatase inhibitors reduce the amount of estrogen your body makes, thus limiting the fuel for possible cancer cells. These are mainly used for postmenopausal women. While studies show they might reduce breast cancer risk in high-risk women, the FDA hasn't officially approved them for this purpose.

   Important Note: Before starting any preventive medication, discuss the potential benefits and risks with your doctor. They can help determine if a medication is appropriate for you based on your personal medical history and risk factors.

3. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended.

   • For Pleomorphic Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (PLCIS): This is a specific type of LCIS that carries a higher risk of turning into breast cancer. Doctors often recommend surgery for PLCIS. The surgery type (lumpectomy or mastectomy) will depend on factors like the extent of the abnormality seen on imaging, family history, and your age. A lumpectomy removes only the affected area, while a mastectomy removes the entire breast. Radiation therapy might be recommended after a lumpectomy in some cases.

   • Prophylactic Mastectomy: In cases with very high risk factors, such as a strong family history or a genetic mutation, preventive (prophylactic) mastectomy may be considered. This is a surgical procedure to remove both breasts, not just the affected one, to significantly lower the risk of developing breast cancer in either breast in the future.

Clinical Trials:

You might also consider participating in clinical trials exploring new therapies for preventing breast cancer. Discuss this option with your doctor.

The Choice is Yours:

Ultimately, the decision of how to manage LCIS is a personal one, made in partnership with your doctor. Your doctor can help you weigh the pros and cons of each approach and determine the best strategy for your specific situation.

Concerned about breast cancer? You can take steps to lower your risk. Here are some healthy choices:

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight: If you're at a healthy weight, keep it up! If you need to lose weight, talk to your doctor. They can help you create a safe and effective plan.

• Eat fewer calories and move more: Gradually reduce the amount of food you eat each day and increase your physical activity. Aim for a slow and steady weight loss of about 1-2 pounds (0.5-1 kilogram) per week. This is a healthier approach than trying to lose weight quickly.

• Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. If you haven't been active recently, check with your doctor first to make sure it's okay. Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.

2. Don't Smoke: Smoking significantly increases your risk of breast cancer. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health. If you've tried to quit before without success, ask your doctor for help. There are many resources available, including medications, counseling, and support groups.

3. Limit Alcohol: If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. This means limiting yourself to one drink per day.

4. Limit Hormone Therapy: If you're considering hormone therapy for menopause symptoms, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if it's right for you and recommend the lowest dose and shortest duration possible to manage your symptoms.