Lobular carcinoma is found in the milk-producing glands of the breast. It is far less common than ductal carcinoma, but it can present itself in both breasts more often than other types of breast cancer. Lobular carcinoma can be either in situ or invasive breast cancer.
Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
Technically, lobular carcinoma in situ is not even a cancer. Sometimes called lobular neoplasia [LOB-u-lar nee-o-play-zee-uh], it is classified as pre-cancerous growth that begins in the milk-producing glands. Lobular carcinoma in situ does not penetrate through the wall of the lobules, and most researchers believe it does not usually become an invasive breast cancer. However, women who develop lobular carcinoma in situ have a higher future risk of developing invasive breast cancer in the same or opposite breast. If you have been treated for a lobular carcinoma in situ, you will want to have a physical exam two or three times a year, in addition to an annual mammogram.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
Similar to invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma has the potential to metastasize and spread to other parts of the body. It begins in the milk-producing glands, where it extends into the fatty tissue of the breast. About 10% to 15% of breast cancers are invasive lobular carcinomas. Invasive lobular carcinoma also can be more difficult to detect by mammogram than LCIS, making it important to have mammograms annually.