Summary about Disease
Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) is a type of breast cancer that begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules) of the breast. It is the second most common type of invasive breast cancer, accounting for approximately 10-15% of all invasive breast cancers. Unlike the more common ductal carcinoma, ILC cells often spread in a single-file pattern through the breast tissue, making it more difficult to detect on mammograms.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ILC can be subtle and may not present as a distinct lump. Possible symptoms include:
A thickening or hardening in the breast rather than a distinct lump
Swelling or change in size or shape of the breast
Changes to the skin of the breast, such as dimpling or thickening
An inverted nipple or other nipple changes
An area that feels different from the surrounding tissue
Causes
The exact cause of ILC, like other breast cancers, is not fully understood. However, it is known that ILC occurs when breast cells develop mutations in their DNA, causing them to grow uncontrollably. Some risk factors associated with an increased risk of developing ILC include:
Being female
Older age
Hormone therapy for menopause
Family history of breast cancer
Genetic mutations (e.g., CDH1 gene)
Medicine Used
Treatment for ILC typically involves a combination of therapies tailored to the individual patient and the characteristics of the cancer. Medications that may be used include:
Hormone Therapy: Such as tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors (e.g., anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane) which are used if the cancer is hormone receptor-positive (ER+ and/or PR+).
Chemotherapy: Drugs such as taxanes (paclitaxel, docetaxel), anthracyclines (doxorubicin, epirubicin), cyclophosphamide, and capecitabine may be used.
Targeted Therapy: If the cancer is HER2-positive, drugs such as trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and T-DM1 may be used.
Bisphosphonates: May be used to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of bone metastasis.
Is Communicable
No, Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma is not a communicable disease. It is not infectious and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
There are no specific precautions to prevent ILC, as the exact cause is unknown. However, individuals can take steps to reduce their overall risk of breast cancer, including:
Maintaining a healthy weight
Engaging in regular physical activity
Limiting alcohol consumption
Breastfeeding, if possible
Considering risk-reducing medications or surgery for individuals at high risk based on family history or genetic mutations
Getting regular screening mammograms and clinical breast exams
How long does an outbreak last?
ILC is not an "outbreak" as it's not an infectious disease. It is a cancer that develops over time. The duration of the disease and treatment varies significantly from person to person depending on the stage at diagnosis, the aggressiveness of the cancer, and the individual's response to treatment.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of ILC typically involves a combination of the following:
Physical Exam: A doctor will examine the breasts for any lumps or abnormalities.
Mammogram: X-ray of the breast to look for suspicious areas. ILC can be difficult to detect on mammograms because of its growth pattern.
Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of the breast tissue.
MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging can provide more detailed images of the breast.
Biopsy: A sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cancer's characteristics (e.g., hormone receptor status, HER2 status). Biopsy methods include core needle biopsy, fine-needle aspiration, or surgical biopsy.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary widely. Some individuals may experience subtle changes over months or even years before seeking medical attention. Others may notice a more rapid progression of symptoms. Because ILC often grows diffusely, a palpable lump may not be the first or most prominent symptom.
Important Considerations
Difficulty in Detection: ILC can be more challenging to detect on mammograms than other types of breast cancer due to its diffuse growth pattern.
Metastasis: ILC tends to metastasize to different sites than ductal carcinoma, including the gastrointestinal tract, peritoneum, ovaries, and meninges.
Hormone Receptor-Positive: ILC is frequently hormone receptor-positive (ER+ and/or PR+), making it responsive to hormone therapy.
Individualized Treatment: Treatment plans should be tailored to the individual patient based on the stage of the cancer, hormone receptor status, HER2 status, and overall health.
Regular Follow-up: Close monitoring after treatment is essential to detect any recurrence of the cancer.