Things You Should Know About Invasive Lobular Carcinoma

Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it.’ How does this view resonate in the realm of battling Invasive Lobular Carcinoma?

While Invasive Ductal Carcinoma often takes center stage, Invasive Lobular Carcinoma operates in the shadows. 

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma is a silent visitor in the context of breast cancer, constantly there but sometimes missed. 

How does it find its way?

Continue reading this blog to redefine your understanding of this form of breast cancer.

The blog will be covering the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and many more segments of Invasive Lobular Carcinoma. 

So, without further delay let’s illuminate the shadows and bring clarity to the complexities of Invasive Lobular Carcinoma.

In the landscape of breast cancer diagnoses, Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) stands as the second most prevalent form, comprising 10% to 15% of all diagnosed invasive breast cancers. 

It trails behind Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, which holds the position of the most common type. 

What is lobular breast cancer?

At its core, lobular breast cancer, or ILC, initiates its terrifying journey within the milk-producing glands, known as lobules, of the breast. 

Without intervention, the slow-moving nature of lobular breast cancer is characterized by its potential to spread first to nearby lymph nodes and subsequently to other regions of the body. 

A comprehensive understanding of the details associated with this particular subtype of cancer is required for both individuals and healthcare professionals.

What distinguishes invasive lobular breast cancer from invasive ductal carcinoma?

Invasive lobular breast cancer stands out due to its tendency to exhibit a single-file pattern of cell growth. 

Conversely, invasive ductal carcinoma typically presents as a mass or lump. The distinction in their growth patterns underscores the unique structural features that differentiate these two prevalent forms of breast cancer.

What groups of people are more likely to get lobular breast cancer?

Understanding the demographic impact of lobular breast cancer is crucial for tailoring effective awareness campaigns and targeted healthcare strategies. 

Lets explore them in more detail:

Primary Demographic: 

Women and individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) aged 55 and older are at a higher risk of developing invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC).

Rare Occurrence in Men:

 While men and individuals assigned male at birth can develop ILC, it is relatively rare.

Transgender Individuals: 

Transwomen face a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to cisgender men. In contrast, transmen have a lower risk compared to cisgender women.

Age of Onset: 

Invasive lobular carcinoma typically occurs later in life, with many individuals receiving their diagnosis in their early 60s.

A comparison to Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): 

Unlike invasive ductal carcinoma, ILC tends to manifest later in life, contributing to a distinction in the age demographic at the time of diagnosis.

Now, let’s go ahead with the symptoms and causes of lobular breast carcinoma.

Early detection and a comprehensive understanding of this particular form of breast cancer is essential. 

What are the symptoms and causes of lobular breast carcinoma?

Navigating the intricacies of lobular breast carcinoma requires a comprehensive understanding of its symptoms and underlying causes. 

In this exploration, we delve into the symptoms and causes that manifest and the contributing factors that elevate the risk of lobular breast carcinoma, shedding light on crucial aspects of its clinical presentation and origins.

Here are some of the symptoms of lobular breast carcinoma:

• Absence of Lumps: 

Lobular breast cancer differs from other types by not forming lumps in the breast tissue or under the arm.

• Hard or Thickened Areas: 

Presence of a hard or thickened area inside the breast or underarm.

• Inverted Nipple: 

Nipple inversion, pointing into the breast rather than outward.

• Skin Changes: 

Dimpling, denting, or puckering of the skin on the breast.

• Alterations in Size or Shape: 

Changes in breast size or shape.

• Warmth or Redness: 

A sensation of warmth or redness.

• Nipple Discharge: 

Unusual discharge from the nipple.

• Swelling or Fullness: 

An area of swelling or fullness in the breast.

• Armpit Lump: 

Presence of a lump near the armpit.

• Breast Pain: 

Sensations of pain in the breast.

It’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider for any observed changes in the breasts, as some symptoms may resemble less serious conditions or indicate other serious conditions, such as inflammatory breast cancer (IBC).

Here are some of the causes of lobular breast carcinoma:

• Age: 

The majority of individuals diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma are aged 55 and above.diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma are aged 55 and above.

• Gender: 

Women and individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) are at a higher risk of developing ILC.

• Hormone Therapy: 

Postmenopausal women and individuals AFAB using hormone therapy may have an increased risk.

• Genetic Factors: 

Certain inherited genes, including those associated with hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome, can elevate the risk of both invasive lobular carcinoma and stomach cancer.

How does invasive lobular carcinoma progress in the body?

When considering breast cancer, the phrase “invasive” emphasizes that the disease began in the lobules or ducts of the breast but has since spread into the surrounding breast tissue. 

As the illness worsens, there is a greater risk that the cancer may spread to lymph nodes, organs, and other parts of the body located in a variety of locations.

Healthcare providers employ the following tests to diagnose this condition:

• Mammogram: 

This low-dose X-ray examination detects abnormalities in breast tissue.

• Ultrasound: 

Utilizing sound waves, this imaging test captures detailed pictures of breast tissue, either independently or in conjunction with mammography.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): 

Healthcare providers may request an MRI, using radio waves and magnets to obtain detailed images inside the body.

• Biopsy: 

To confirm the presence of cancer, a small sample of breast tissue is obtained and sent to a pathology lab for analysis.

What are the Stages of Invasive Lobular Carcinoma?

Healthcare providers utilize staging systems to guide treatment for invasive lobular carcinoma, categorizing it into four stages based on factors such as tumor size, location, and extent of spread:

Stage 1:

• Up to two centimeters (cm) in size of the tumor.
• It’s possible that the cancer has progressed to the lymph nodes in the area.

Stage 2:

• The size of the tumor is between 2 and 5 centimeters in diameter, depending on whether or not it has progressed to the lymph nodes surrounding.

Stage 3:

• Cancer may involve lymph nodes but not distant organs. 
• In some cases, it may extend into the chest wall.

Stage 4 (Metastatic Breast Cancer):

• Metastatic breast cancer is stage 4. Cancer may have affected adjacent lymph nodes.
• Cancer has reached distant lymph nodes or organs, such as the liver, lungs, bone, or brain.

How is lobular breast cancer managed and treated?

Healthcare providers employ two main categories of treatment for invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC): local and systemic. 

Local Treatments:

Local treatments target the tumor and surrounding areas. Let us see them in detail:

Surgery:

• Primarily recommended for ILC, involving lumpectomy or mastectomy.
• Concurrently checks for lymph node involvement.

Radiation Therapy:

• Utilizes high-energy radiation on the breast, underarm regions, and adjacent areas.
• Often post-surgery to eradicate any residual cancer cells.

Systemic Treatments:

The Systemic treatments traverse the entire body to eliminate any cancer cells that may have spread. Let us see them in detail:

Chemotherapy:

• Administers drugs to eliminate cancer cells.
• Applied pre-surgery for tumor shrinkage or post-surgery to eliminate residual cells.

Targeted Therapy:

• Focuses on specific characteristics of cancer cells for destruction.
• Less likely to impact healthy cells compared to chemotherapy.

Antihormone Therapy:

• Recommended for hormone receptor-positive cancers (common in ILC).
• Reduces estrogen levels, hindering breast cancer cell growth.

Immunotherapy:

• Increases cancer-fighting immunity.
• Emerging as a promising option in some cases of lobular breast cancer treatment.

What are the potential side effects of treatments for invasive lobular carcinoma?

Individuals undergoing treatment for invasive lobular carcinoma may encounter side effects, varying based on:

• the specific treatment, 
• cancer stage, 
• individual healing capacity, and 
• other factors. 

Surgical interventions, such as mastectomy or lumpectomy, may lead to complications like:

• infections,
• blood clots, 
• allergic reactions to anesthesia, or 
• other surgical complications.

Radiation therapy, commonly associated with:

• fatigue, 
• nausea, and 
• skin irritation, can bring about temporary discomfort. 

Chemotherapy recipients may experience a range of side effects, including:

• fatigue, 
• hair loss, 
• skin changes, 
• fever, 
• headaches, 
• anemia, 
• diarrhea, 
• constipation, and
• fertility problems.

For those undergoing antihormone therapy, prevalent side effects include: 

• hot flashes, 
• joint pain, 
• weight fluctuations, 
• mood changes, 
• vaginal dryness or discharge, 
• and a decrease in sexual desire. 

It’s crucial for individuals to communicate any side effects with their healthcare team to manage and alleviate these effects effectively.

What is the typical recovery period after treatment for invasive lobular carcinoma?

Recovery times differ for each person undergoing treatment for invasive lobular carcinoma. 

Following surgery, individuals typically experience a recovery period of about two to four weeks. However, for treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy, the recovery duration can range from several weeks to several months, contingent on the individual’s unique circumstances. 

It is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider to gain insights into the specific expectations regarding your recovery.

What are the survival rates for individuals with lobular breast cancer?

The five-year survival rate for invasive lobular carcinoma is notably high, reaching nearly 100% when detected early. 

In cases where the cancer has extended to nearby tissues, the five-year survival rate remains substantial at about 93%. However, if the cancer has metastasized to other parts of the body, the five-year survival rate decreases to 22%.

It’s crucial to understand that survival rates provide statistical insights based on past cases and cannot predict individual life expectancy. For personalized information about your unique situation, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider.

How can breast cancer be prevented?

To mitigate the risk of breast cancer, individuals may consider the following preventive strategies:

Menopausal Hormone Therapy:

• Engage in a thorough discussion with your doctor about the benefits and risks of menopausal hormone therapy.
• Opt for the lowest dose and shortest duration of hormone therapy to minimize the risk.

Alcohol Consumption:

• If alcohol consumption is chosen, do so in moderation.
• For healthy adults, this translates to up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men over 65, and up to two drinks a day for men under 65.

Regular Exercise:

• Aim to engage in some form of physical exercise for at least half an hour on most days of the week.
• Consult with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you haven’t been active.

Maintain a Healthy Weight:

• If already at a healthy weight, work to sustain it.
• For those needing to lose weight, consult with a healthcare provider for healthy weight-loss strategies, focusing on gradual weight loss (about 1 or 2 pounds per week).

Family History and Increased Risk:

• If there is a family history of breast cancer or an individual perceives an elevated risk, discuss it with a healthcare provider.
• Explore preventive options such as medications, surgery, or more frequent screening for those at a higher risk.

Conclusion 

In navigating the complex terrain of invasive lobular carcinoma, the significance of early detection and personalized treatment approaches cannot be overstated. 

The recognition of potential side effects and understanding the recovery process emphasizes the need for holistic support throughout the treatment journey. Furthermore, the optimistic survival rates, especially with timely intervention, instill confidence in the ongoing progress in managing invasive lobular carcinoma.

Looking forward, the focus on prevention, lifestyle choices, and proactive discussions with healthcare providers emerges as a crucial aspect in empowering individuals to navigate their health journey. 

As individuals confront this challenge, MedicoExpert stands ready to offer determined assistance and support. 

With a commitment to awareness, prevention, and evolving treatment modalities, MedicoExpert aims to be a guiding partner, ensuring individuals receive the comprehensive care needed for an improved quality of life and prognosis. 

Together, we stride towards a future where the impact of invasive lobular carcinoma is minimized, and individuals find solace in a path toward health and well-being.

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