Contents:
- Medical Video: What Is the Difference Between Staging and Grading in Breast Cancer?
- Symptoms and trigger factors
- Diagnosis and treatment options
- Long-term prospects and if the cancer recurs
- How can I prevent lobular breast cancer?
Medical Video: What Is the Difference Between Staging and Grading in Breast Cancer?
Lobular breast cancer is also known as invasive lobular carcinoma. This cancer starts from the breast lobule, which is a milk-producing gland. Cancer cells can move beyond the lobules and attack other organs and tissues in the body. Lobular breast cancer is less common than ductal carcinoma, where cancer cells originate from the milk ducts.
Symptoms and trigger factors
Unlike other types of breast cancer which usually begins with the appearance of a lump, lobular breast cancer usually begins with thickening of the breast. In other words, you might realize that there is an unusual density and thickness in one part of your breast if you have lobular breast cancer. Other symptoms of lobular breast cancer include:
- Changes in the skin around the infected part
- Thicker skin than usual
- Nipple protrudes inward
Lobular breast cancer tends to appear when you are older than other types of breast cancer. Lobular breast cancer also tends to develop in women who are on hormone therapy (HRT). The hormones involved in therapy may stimulate the growth of cancer cells. This tumor is more difficult to see on a mammogram. A condition called lobular carcinoma in situ, which means that cancer cells are confined to the lobules, can increase your risk for invasive lobular carcinoma.
Diagnosis and treatment options
Doctors use several different imaging tests to help diagnose lobular breast cancer. That's because regular mammograms may not always show cancerous tumors, and ultrasound is less convincing to diagnose this condition.
Your doctor may order MRI if other screening does not produce clear images of suspicious tissue. A more certain diagnosis can be made when fluid or tissue is taken from the breast for lab testing.
Treatment of lobular breast cancer usually involves surgery. Lumpectomy may be the best surgical choice if cancerous growth appears limited to a small portion of the breast. If a lot of breast tissue is infected, the doctor may recommend a mastectomy. Your best treatment choice will also depend on your overall health.
You may need additional treatment, such as radiation or chemotherapy. Hormone therapy might also be done if tests show that your cancer cells are sensitive to hormones.
Long-term prospects and if the cancer recurs
Your prognosis depends on the level of the disease and the type of treatment you receive. Early diagnosis and treatment tend to lead to better long-term prospects. In one study, the average level of defense for patients with stage 4 lobular breast cancer was 2.9 years. Stage 4 is the highest level of any type of cancer.
Your age and the response of cancer cells to hormones are also important factors in influencing your chances of survival.
The Journal of the National Cancer Institute examined rates of recurrence in patients who had undergone adjuvant therapy. The researchers found the recurrence rate for stage 1 cancer was 7%. For stage 2, the rate is 11%. Whereas stage 3, 13%.
Separate research in 2012 found that after successful treatment, lobular breast cancer patients could survive around 10.6 years without cancer. When the cancer returns, it often develops in the abdomen.
How can I prevent lobular breast cancer?
Lobular carcinoma, like other breast cancers, can occur even in healthy individuals. However, there are some things you can do to increase your chances of avoiding this disease.
Limit moderate amounts of alcohol. This means a maximum of one drink per day. Do a self-examination and diligently check with your doctor.
