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LCIS - Lobular Carcinoma In Situ Questions about lobular carcinoma in situ. |
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| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
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| 8/21/2011 | I had multicentric DCIS found after a mastectomy 13 years ago. A single focus of LCIS was noted on the pathology report, but oncologist at the time said the significance was unclear, since LCIS is usually more extensive in the breast. Do you believe that a single spot of LCIS would be insignificant in terms of risk of cancer in the contralateral breast? I've gone through several biopsies since then, so am curious about risk. Thanks. | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 8/22/2011 | Thank you for turning to the Johns Hopkins Breast center with your questions. Congratulations on your 13 year survivorship! So, LCIS is not a breast cancer. It is a non-invasive condition of abnormal cells. Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is not visible on a mammogram, and often does not cause symptoms. It is typically discovered when doctors are doing breast surgery for other reasons, for example your mastectomy for the DCIS. Your's was found 13 years ago when you underwent a mastectomy, so the DCIS and the LCIS was removed then. You may have been treated with Tamoxifen as well. If one were to develop cancer in the other breast, after 13 years of previously diagnosed and treated breast cancer, it would be considered a new primary. Continue your breast vigilance with breast self awareness, yearly clinical breast exams and mammograms. Hope this helps and best wishes! | ||
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