Invasive lobular carcinoma: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name = Invasive lobular carcinoma
| image = [[File:Lobules_and_ducts_of_the_breast.jpg|250px]]
| caption = Diagram showing lobules and ducts of the breast
| field = [[Oncology]]
| synonyms = ILC
| symptoms = [[Breast lump]], [[breast pain]], [[nipple discharge]], [[skin changes]]
| complications = [[Metastasis]], [[lymphedema]]
| onset = Typically in women over 50
| duration = Chronic
| types = Classic, pleomorphic, alveolar, solid, tubulolobular
| causes = [[Genetic mutations]], [[hormonal factors]]
| risks = [[Family history]], [[hormone replacement therapy]], [[obesity]]
| diagnosis = [[Mammography]], [[ultrasound]], [[biopsy]]
| differential = [[Ductal carcinoma in situ]], [[fibroadenoma]], [[mastitis]]
| prevention = [[Regular screening]], [[lifestyle changes]]
| treatment = [[Surgery]], [[radiation therapy]], [[chemotherapy]], [[hormonal therapy]]
| prognosis = Generally good with early detection
| frequency = 10-15% of all breast cancers
| deaths = Varies depending on stage and treatment
}}
{{Short description|A type of breast cancer that begins in the lobules of the breast}}
{{Short description|A type of breast cancer that begins in the lobules of the breast}}
{{Medical resources}}
[[File:Pie chart of incidence and prognosis of histopathologic breast cancer types.png|thumb|Pie chart of incidence and prognosis of histopathologic breast cancer types]]
 
[[File:Classic Invasive Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast (6813147194).jpg|left|thumb|Classic Invasive Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast]]
[[File:Histopathology of pleomorphic lobular carcinoma with plasmacytoid cells.jpg|thumb|Histopathology of pleomorphic lobular carcinoma with plasmacytoid cells]]
[[File:Histopathology of invasive lobular carcinoma, next to lobular carcinoma in situ, annotated.jpg|left|thumb|Histopathology of invasive lobular carcinoma, next to lobular carcinoma in situ, annotated]]
[[File:Breast invasive lobular carcinoma (2).jpg|left|thumb|Breast invasive lobular carcinoma]]
[[File:LobularBreastCancer.jpg|left|thumb|Lobular Breast Cancer]]
[[File:Histopathology of subtle invasive lobular carcinoma, annotated.png|thumb|Histopathology of subtle invasive lobular carcinoma, annotated]]
'''Invasive lobular carcinoma''' (ILC) is a type of [[breast cancer]] that begins in the [[lobules]] of the breast, which are the glands that produce milk. It is the second most common type of breast cancer after [[invasive ductal carcinoma]].
'''Invasive lobular carcinoma''' (ILC) is a type of [[breast cancer]] that begins in the [[lobules]] of the breast, which are the glands that produce milk. It is the second most common type of breast cancer after [[invasive ductal carcinoma]].
==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
Invasive lobular carcinoma originates in the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands of the breast. Unlike [[ductal carcinoma]], which begins in the milk ducts, ILC tends to spread in a more diffuse pattern, often making it more challenging to detect on [[mammography]]. The cancer cells invade the surrounding breast tissue and can metastasize to other parts of the body.
Invasive lobular carcinoma originates in the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands of the breast. Unlike [[ductal carcinoma]], which begins in the milk ducts, ILC tends to spread in a more diffuse pattern, often making it more challenging to detect on [[mammography]]. The cancer cells invade the surrounding breast tissue and can metastasize to other parts of the body.
==Clinical Presentation==
==Clinical Presentation==
Patients with invasive lobular carcinoma may present with a variety of symptoms. Commonly, there is a thickening or hardening of the breast tissue rather than a distinct lump. Other symptoms can include changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, or nipple inversion. Due to its diffuse growth pattern, ILC may not form a palpable mass, making clinical detection more difficult.
Patients with invasive lobular carcinoma may present with a variety of symptoms. Commonly, there is a thickening or hardening of the breast tissue rather than a distinct lump. Other symptoms can include changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, or nipple inversion. Due to its diffuse growth pattern, ILC may not form a palpable mass, making clinical detection more difficult.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
The diagnosis of invasive lobular carcinoma typically involves a combination of imaging studies and biopsy. [[Mammography]] and [[ultrasound]] are commonly used, but due to the diffuse nature of ILC, [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) may be more effective in some cases. A definitive diagnosis is made through a [[biopsy]], where a sample of breast tissue is examined under a microscope to identify cancerous cells.
The diagnosis of invasive lobular carcinoma typically involves a combination of imaging studies and biopsy. [[Mammography]] and [[ultrasound]] are commonly used, but due to the diffuse nature of ILC, [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) may be more effective in some cases. A definitive diagnosis is made through a [[biopsy]], where a sample of breast tissue is examined under a microscope to identify cancerous cells.
==Histological Features==
==Histological Features==
Under the microscope, invasive lobular carcinoma is characterized by small, non-cohesive cells that invade the stroma in a single-file pattern. This is due to the loss of [[E-cadherin]], a protein that helps cells stick together. The lack of E-cadherin is a hallmark of ILC and helps differentiate it from other types of breast cancer.
Under the microscope, invasive lobular carcinoma is characterized by small, non-cohesive cells that invade the stroma in a single-file pattern. This is due to the loss of [[E-cadherin]], a protein that helps cells stick together. The lack of E-cadherin is a hallmark of ILC and helps differentiate it from other types of breast cancer.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
The treatment of invasive lobular carcinoma typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and systemic therapies such as [[chemotherapy]], [[hormone therapy]], and [[targeted therapy]]. The choice of treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, hormone receptor status, and other factors.
The treatment of invasive lobular carcinoma typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and systemic therapies such as [[chemotherapy]], [[hormone therapy]], and [[targeted therapy]]. The choice of treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, hormone receptor status, and other factors.
===Surgical Options===
===Surgical Options===
Surgical treatment may include [[lumpectomy]] or [[mastectomy]], depending on the size and location of the tumor and patient preference. Sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection may be performed to assess the spread of cancer to the lymph nodes.
Surgical treatment may include [[lumpectomy]] or [[mastectomy]], depending on the size and location of the tumor and patient preference. Sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection may be performed to assess the spread of cancer to the lymph nodes.
===Systemic Therapies===
===Systemic Therapies===
Hormone therapy is often used in cases where the cancer is hormone receptor-positive. Common medications include [[tamoxifen]] and [[aromatase inhibitors]]. Chemotherapy may be recommended for more advanced stages or aggressive forms of ILC. Targeted therapies, such as [[HER2 inhibitors]], are used if the cancer overexpresses the HER2 protein.
Hormone therapy is often used in cases where the cancer is hormone receptor-positive. Common medications include [[tamoxifen]] and [[aromatase inhibitors]]. Chemotherapy may be recommended for more advanced stages or aggressive forms of ILC. Targeted therapies, such as [[HER2 inhibitors]], are used if the cancer overexpresses the HER2 protein.
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
The prognosis for patients with invasive lobular carcinoma varies depending on the stage at diagnosis and other factors such as hormone receptor status. Generally, ILC has a similar prognosis to invasive ductal carcinoma when matched for stage and other prognostic factors. However, due to its tendency to be diagnosed at a later stage, careful monitoring and follow-up are essential.
The prognosis for patients with invasive lobular carcinoma varies depending on the stage at diagnosis and other factors such as hormone receptor status. Generally, ILC has a similar prognosis to invasive ductal carcinoma when matched for stage and other prognostic factors. However, due to its tendency to be diagnosed at a later stage, careful monitoring and follow-up are essential.
 
==See also==
==Related pages==
* [[Breast cancer]]
* [[Breast cancer]]
* [[Invasive ductal carcinoma]]
* [[Invasive ductal carcinoma]]
* [[Mammography]]
* [[Mammography]]
* [[Hormone therapy (oncology)]]
* [[Hormone therapy (oncology)]]
 
[[Category:Breast cancer]]]]
[[Category:Breast cancer]]
<gallery>
File:Lobules and ducts of the breast.jpg|Lobules and ducts of the breast
File:Pie chart of incidence and prognosis of histopathologic breast cancer types.png|Pie chart of incidence and prognosis of histopathologic breast cancer types
File:Classic Invasive Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast (6813147194).jpg|Classic Invasive Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast
File:Histopathology of pleomorphic lobular carcinoma with plasmacytoid cells.jpg|Histopathology of pleomorphic lobular carcinoma with plasmacytoid cells
File:Histopathology of invasive lobular carcinoma, next to lobular carcinoma in situ, annotated.jpg|Histopathology of invasive lobular carcinoma, next to lobular carcinoma in situ, annotated
File:Breast invasive lobular carcinoma (2).jpg|Breast invasive lobular carcinoma
File:LobularBreastCancer.jpg|Lobular Breast Cancer
File:Histopathology of subtle invasive lobular carcinoma, annotated.png|Histopathology of subtle invasive lobular carcinoma, annotated
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 12:14, 14 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Invasive lobular carcinoma
Synonyms ILC
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Breast lump, breast pain, nipple discharge, skin changes
Complications Metastasis, lymphedema
Onset Typically in women over 50
Duration Chronic
Types Classic, pleomorphic, alveolar, solid, tubulolobular
Causes Genetic mutations, hormonal factors
Risks Family history, hormone replacement therapy, obesity
Diagnosis Mammography, ultrasound, biopsy
Differential diagnosis Ductal carcinoma in situ, fibroadenoma, mastitis
Prevention Regular screening, lifestyle changes
Treatment Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy
Medication N/A
Prognosis Generally good with early detection
Frequency 10-15% of all breast cancers
Deaths Varies depending on stage and treatment


A type of breast cancer that begins in the lobules of the breast


Pie chart of incidence and prognosis of histopathologic breast cancer types
Classic Invasive Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast
Histopathology of pleomorphic lobular carcinoma with plasmacytoid cells
Histopathology of invasive lobular carcinoma, next to lobular carcinoma in situ, annotated
Breast invasive lobular carcinoma
Lobular Breast Cancer
Histopathology of subtle invasive lobular carcinoma, annotated

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is a type of breast cancer that begins in the lobules of the breast, which are the glands that produce milk. It is the second most common type of breast cancer after invasive ductal carcinoma.

Pathophysiology[edit]

Invasive lobular carcinoma originates in the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands of the breast. Unlike ductal carcinoma, which begins in the milk ducts, ILC tends to spread in a more diffuse pattern, often making it more challenging to detect on mammography. The cancer cells invade the surrounding breast tissue and can metastasize to other parts of the body.

Clinical Presentation[edit]

Patients with invasive lobular carcinoma may present with a variety of symptoms. Commonly, there is a thickening or hardening of the breast tissue rather than a distinct lump. Other symptoms can include changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, or nipple inversion. Due to its diffuse growth pattern, ILC may not form a palpable mass, making clinical detection more difficult.

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of invasive lobular carcinoma typically involves a combination of imaging studies and biopsy. Mammography and ultrasound are commonly used, but due to the diffuse nature of ILC, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be more effective in some cases. A definitive diagnosis is made through a biopsy, where a sample of breast tissue is examined under a microscope to identify cancerous cells.

Histological Features[edit]

Under the microscope, invasive lobular carcinoma is characterized by small, non-cohesive cells that invade the stroma in a single-file pattern. This is due to the loss of E-cadherin, a protein that helps cells stick together. The lack of E-cadherin is a hallmark of ILC and helps differentiate it from other types of breast cancer.

Treatment[edit]

The treatment of invasive lobular carcinoma typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. The choice of treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, hormone receptor status, and other factors.

Surgical Options[edit]

Surgical treatment may include lumpectomy or mastectomy, depending on the size and location of the tumor and patient preference. Sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection may be performed to assess the spread of cancer to the lymph nodes.

Systemic Therapies[edit]

Hormone therapy is often used in cases where the cancer is hormone receptor-positive. Common medications include tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors. Chemotherapy may be recommended for more advanced stages or aggressive forms of ILC. Targeted therapies, such as HER2 inhibitors, are used if the cancer overexpresses the HER2 protein.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for patients with invasive lobular carcinoma varies depending on the stage at diagnosis and other factors such as hormone receptor status. Generally, ILC has a similar prognosis to invasive ductal carcinoma when matched for stage and other prognostic factors. However, due to its tendency to be diagnosed at a later stage, careful monitoring and follow-up are essential.

See also[edit]