Understanding Lobular Carcinoma In Situ: A Non-Invasive Form of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most widespread illnesses amongst women worldwide. Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is a type of breast cancer that is regarded as non-invasive, which means that it does not reach beyond the lobule of the breast where it originates. While LCIS itself is not fatal, it is thought of as a risk factor for developing invasive breast cancer.

In this blog post, let us take a closer look at lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), study what it is, how it is diagnosed, and what treatment plans are available. Whether you or someone you know has been identified with LCIS or you just want to learn more about breast cancer, this post will provide helpful facts and information to support you in understanding this non-invasive form of breast cancer.

Lobular Carcinoma in situ is usually viewed as a non-malignant kind of breast cancer, which means it has not spread beyond the lobules where the cancer cells come from. Most of the time, LCIS does not lead to any signs and is normally found coincidentally during a standard mammogram or breast biopsy. However, LCIS is considered a risk factor for the possible advancement of invading breast cancer in the future.

The real causes of lobular carcinoma in situ have yet to be fully comprehended. Nonetheless, it is thought to be connected to hormonal factors, as the cells that form the lobules of the breast are hormone-sensitive. This implies that alterations in hormone levels, such as those that take place during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause, could possibly affect the development of lobular carcinoma in situ .

Genetic predisposition might also be the cause of lobular carcinoma in situ . Females with a past of breast cancer in their family tree, or those who possess specific gene mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2, could be in a more hazardous situation of developing LCIS.

Age is also a factor, with the bulk of lobular carcinoma in situ cases happening in women who are 40 years of age and above, as well as exposure to various hormones, like those employed for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or birth control pills.

Diagnosing Lobular Carcinoma In Situ: Mammograms, Biopsies, and Other Tests

If you display signs that could point towards breast cancer, such as a lump or alteration in the breast tissue, your physician may suggest a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI to look into the matter further. Nevertheless, lobular carcinoma in situ generally does not trigger any symptoms, which means it is often identified by chance during standard breast cancer screening exams, like mammograms.

If your mammogram or other imaging assessment reveals an area of concern, your doctor may recommend a biopsy to procure a tissue sample for further examination. There are two predominant types of breast biopsies: core needle biopsy and surgical biopsy.

If a core needle biopsy is necessary, a tiny piece of breast tissue is extracted using a hollow needle. In contrast, a surgical biopsy involves taking a bigger sample of breast tissue by making a small cut in the chest. Both of these biopsy methods are effective at gathering tissue samples for further analysis, and the choice of biopsy depends on many variables like the size and location of the area of interest.

Subsequently, a pathologist will analyze the tissue sample to check if lobular carcinoma in situ is present. In case it is detected, your physician might recommend additional tests to rule out the possibility of invasive breast cancer.

LCIS Treatment Options: Surgery, Hormone Therapy, and More

While lobular carcinoma in situ is a non-threatening type of breast cancer, it may be a sign of future issues. If you’ve been diagnosed with LCIS, your doctor may suggest keeping a close eye on your breast tissue. For those with a heightened risk of invasive cancer, treatment might be an option to reduce the possibility of developing further cancers. Some potential treatments for lobular carcinoma in situ could include:

1. Surgery: Surgery may be an option for some individuals, wherein the portion of the breast containing lobular carcinoma in situ is removed, commonly known as lumpectomy or mastectomy.
2. Hormone Therapy: Individuals who are at a higher risk of developing invasive breast cancer should consider hormone therapy, which involves the administration of medications that counter the effects of estrogen or decrease the amount of estrogen generated by the body.
3. Clinical Trials: Clinical trials are an alternative for people who are curious about other treatments for lobular carcinoma in situ; therefore, it is suggested to consult with a doctor to determine if participating in a clinical trial is a viable option.

When it comes to deciding on a treatment for lobular carcinoma in situ, there are a variety of considerations that must be taken into account, such as your personal risk factors, the size and position of the LCIS, and your preferences. It’s a must to collaborate closely with your doctor to make sure you’re getting the most suitable plan for yourself.

If you have lobular carcinoma in situ, it’s important to alter your lifestyle to help reduce your odds of developing intrusive breast cancer. That could include sustaining a healthy weight, getting physical activity in regularly, cutting out alcohol, and not smoking.

LCIS and Breast Cancer Prevention: Screening, Lifestyle Changes, and Risk Reduction

Although lobular carcinoma in situ doesn’t pose an immediate danger, it can increase the chances of someone getting invasive breast cancer in the future. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to lower the risk of invasive breast cancer, including:

1. Breast cancer screening: Screenings for breast cancer, like mammograms, can be used to identify it in its early stages, when it is still treatable. The American Cancer Society suggests that women who are of average risk should begin getting tested at 45, while those with a greater chance should start sooner.
2. Lifestyle changes: Staying healthy is another great way to reduce the risk of breast cancer. This entails exercising regularly, keeping a healthy weight, not drinking alcohol, and not smoking.
3. Risk reduction strategies: For certain individuals with a heightened chance of invasive breast cancer, risk-reducing tactics may be suggested. These may include surgery for prevention or hormone treatment.

If you have been diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in situ, it’s of utmost importance to collaborate with your physician to design a personalized screening and monitoring regimen. Additionally, making life adjustments and taking preventive measures to decrease your chances of getting breast cancer can help you preserve optimal breast health and reduce the likelihood of developing aggressive breast cancer.

If you’ve been diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in situ, it’s important to review your individual case with your physician and come up with a monitoring plan. Taking steps to decrease your risk of developing invasive breast cancer and changing your lifestyle can help you stay healthy too.

It’s essential to be well-informed regarding the different treatment options at your disposal, as well as the benefits and risks associated with them. Speak to your physician and research clinical trials to get the best treatment plan that suits your particular needs.

We certainly hope this blog post has been beneficial in your journey of comprehending lobular carcinoma in situ and breast cancer. To further your education on the subject, both the American Cancer Society and Breastcancer.org are highly useful resources. They provide information on lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), breast cancer detection and treatment, and prevention strategies.

References:

1. American Cancer Society. (2022). Non-cancerous breast conditions. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/non-cancerous-breast-conditions/lobular-carcinoma-in-situ-lcis.html
2. Breastcancer.org. (2022). Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). Retrieved from https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/lcis
3. National Cancer Institute. (2022). Breast cancer treatment (PDQ)-patient version. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/patient/breast-treatment-pdq
4. NHS. (2021). Breast cancer. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer/
5. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lobular-carcinoma-in-situ/symptoms-causes/syc-20375721