Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast is one of the main types of breast cancer. The breast is an organ designed to manufacture and deliver milk to the infant. The majority of the breast is composed of fatty tissue. Milk glands lie within this fatty tissue and are connected to the nipple via a series of ducts. The breast is also rich in blood vessels and lymphatic channels.

Unlike other forms of breast cancer, invasive lobular cancer is more likely to show up as a thickening of the breast tissue rather than a definite hard lump. Because the symptoms can be vague, these cancers may sometimes grow to a larger size than other breast cancers before they are picked up.

Once your GP has referred you to a specialist, certain tests may be done to help make the diagnosis. They include mammogram, ultrasound scan, fine needle aspiration and needle core biopsy. Invasive lobular breast cancer can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. This is because it is less likely to present as a firm lump and is therefore not easy to feel. It is also more difficult to see on a mammogram. This is because the white dots (calcifications) that may be seen on a mammogram with other types of breast cancer are not usually formed by invasive lobular cancers.

As for most types of breast cancer, surgery will be the first treatment. This may be a mastectomy or wide local excision. You will usually be given a choice between these two types of surgery. If a wide local excision is possible there is a chance that a second operation may be necessary to make sure that a clear enough area of tissue around the lump is taken. In some cases, to get a clear area of tissue it may be necessary for the whole breast to be removed. Invasive lobular cancer can sometimes affect more than one area within the breast. If this is the case the surgeon may recommend a mastectomy.

LCIS is viewed as an uncommon condition, but we don't know exactly how many people are affected. That's because LCIS does not cause symptoms and usually does not show up on a mammogram. It tends to be diagnosed as a result of a biopsy performed on the breast for some other reason.

Invasive lobular breast cancer can sometimes be found in more than one area within the breast. If this is the case, it may not be possible to remove just the area of the cancer. You may be asked to have a mastectomy. If at all possible, your breast surgeon will offer you the choice of mastectomy or lumpectomy and radiotherapy.