Summary about Disease
Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is a type of breast cancer that begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules) of the breast. It's called "invasive" because the cancer cells have spread from the lobules to surrounding breast tissue. ILC is the second most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 10-15% of invasive breast cancers. It often presents differently than the more common ductal carcinoma, sometimes being harder to detect on mammograms.
Symptoms
A new thickening or fullness in the breast
An area that feels different from the surrounding tissue
A change in the size or shape of the breast
A newly inverted nipple
Skin changes on the breast, such as thickening or hardening
A lump in the breast (may be less distinct than with ductal carcinoma)
Swelling of the armpit lymph nodes It is important to note that some women with ILC may not experience any noticeable symptoms.
Causes
The exact cause of ILC is not fully understood, but it is believed to develop when breast cells develop mutations in their DNA. These mutations can cause cells to grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. Risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing ILC include:
Being female
Older age
Hormone therapy for menopause
A family history of breast cancer
Genetic mutations (such as CDH1)
Medicine Used
Treatment for ILC typically involves a combination of therapies, which may include:
Surgery: Lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue) or mastectomy (removal of the entire breast).
Radiation therapy: To kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery.
Hormone therapy: Such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, to block the effects of hormones on cancer cells (effective for hormone receptor-positive ILC).
Chemotherapy: To kill cancer cells throughout the body (may be used for more aggressive ILC or if the cancer has spread).
Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific vulnerabilities within cancer cells.
Bisphosphonates: Medicines to strengthen bones and decrease risk of cancer spreading. The specific medications used will depend on the stage of the cancer, hormone receptor status, and other individual factors.
Is Communicable
No, lobular breast cancer is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
There are no specific precautions to prevent lobular breast cancer, as the exact cause is unknown. However, lifestyle choices and regular screening can play a role in risk reduction and early detection:
Maintain a healthy weight.
Engage in regular physical activity.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Consider the risks and benefits of hormone therapy.
Undergo regular breast cancer screening (mammograms, clinical breast exams, and self-exams).
Discuss any family history of breast cancer with your doctor.
How long does an outbreak last?
Lobular breast cancer is not an "outbreak". It is a type of cancer that develops over time. The duration of the disease depends on factors such as the stage at diagnosis, the treatment plan, and the individual's response to treatment. Without treatment, the cancer will progress.
How is it diagnosed?
Lobular breast cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of methods:
Physical exam: A doctor will examine the breasts for lumps or other abnormalities.
Mammogram: An X-ray of the breast.
Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create an image of the breast.
MRI: Uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the breast.
Biopsy: A sample of tissue is removed from the breast and examined under a microscope. This is the only way to definitively diagnose lobular breast cancer. The biopsy is typically an image guided core biopsy.
Hormone receptor testing: Determines if the cancer cells have receptors for estrogen and progesterone.
HER2 testing: Determines if the cancer cells have too much of the HER2 protein.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms for ILC can vary significantly. Some women may notice a lump or thickening relatively quickly, while others may have subtle changes that develop over a longer period. Some may not have any noticeable symptoms until the cancer has spread. There is no set timeline.
Important Considerations
ILC can be more difficult to detect on mammograms than ductal carcinoma, so it's important to be aware of any changes in your breasts and to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
ILC often spreads differently than ductal carcinoma, sometimes spreading in a single-file pattern, which can make it harder to detect.
Hormone therapy is often effective for hormone receptor-positive ILC, but it's important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.
Because ILC is associated with CDH1 mutations, patients should discuss genetic counseling with their doctor.