Invasive Lobular Carcinoma

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is a type of breast cancer that originates in the lobules, which are the glands that produce milk. It is the second most common type of breast cancer, accounting for approximately 10% of all breast cancer diagnoses.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of invasive lobular carcinoma is not known, but certain risk factors have been identified. These include:

• Age: The risk of developing ILC increases with age, with most cases occurring in women over the age of 50.
• Family history: Women with a family history of breast cancer are at increased risk of developing ILC.
• Genetic mutations: Certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can increase the risk of developing ILC.
• Hormone replacement therapy: The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been linked to an increased risk of developing ILC.

Symptoms

The symptoms of invasive lobular carcinoma may include:

• A lump or thickening in the breast
• Changes in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Nipple discharge or retraction
• Pain or tenderness in the breast

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of invasive lobular carcinoma is typically made using a combination of imaging tests and biopsy. These may include:

• Mammography: A low-dose X-ray examination of the breast.
• Ultrasound: A test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the breast.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A test that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the breast.
• Biopsy: A procedure in which a sample of tissue is removed from the breast and examined under a microscope for cancer cells.

Treatment

The treatment of invasive lobular carcinoma typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The specific treatment plan will depend on the stage and extent of the disease, as well as the individual patient's overall health and preferences.

• Surgery: May include lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue) or mastectomy (removal of the entire breast).
• Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Uses medications to kill cancer cells.
• Hormone therapy: May be used to treat ILC that is hormone receptor-positive.

Prognosis

The prognosis for invasive lobular carcinoma varies depending on the stage and extent of the disease at diagnosis. Generally, the 5-year survival rate for women with ILC is around 85-90%. However, this can vary significantly depending on individual factors, such as the presence of lymph node involvement or distant metastases.