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LCIS - Lobular Carcinoma In Situ Questions about lobular carcinoma in situ. |
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| 3/25/2012 | I am 40 years old and was diagnosed with LCIS at the hospital that performed my lumpectomy. Later, Johns Hopkins and Vanderbilt concluded that it was "markedly atypical lobular hyperplasia). I do not have any family history of breast cancer but my brother and cousin were diagnosed with colon cancer in their 30s. Also, I have incredibly dense and fibrocystic breasts. Every 3-4 weeks, I am developing new large cysts that require follow-up ultrasound and/or aspiration. I was on tamoxifen for 6 weeks but my fibromyalgia symptoms intensified significantly and I stopped usage of the medication. Due to my radiologic complexity and inability to take tamoxifen, is a bilateral mastectomy too radical of a treatment option? I can't stop worrying about developing breast cancer and it not being caught in an early stage due to my "busy" breasts. Thank you! | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 3/26/2012 | Thank you for turning to the Johns Hopkins Breast Center. Most important, consider a consultation with a breast high risk specialist, who will evaluate your personal history, as well as family history, and be able to advise you as to risk of developing breast cancer, and possibly recommend genetic testing. We see women who elect to undergo bilateral mastectomy for diagnosis of LCIS (which is not a breast cancer), all the way to the other end of the spectrum which is close observation, (MRI may be a recommendation based on your dense breasts). Consult with a breast surgical oncologist as well as a breast plastic reconstruction surgeon as well. Mastectomy's are forever...and if nipple sensation is important to you, that will be lost with mastectomy. Gather your facts and information, become educated, then make your decision based on fact and knowledge, and not fear and worry. Hope this helps, and best wishes! If we can help, please call Sheila @ 443-287-BRST (2887) for an appointment. | ||
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