BREAST CARCINOMA IN-SITU AND HIGH RISK PATIENTS

There are two types non-invasive breast cancers recognised on the basis of histological pattern; ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) and lobular carcinoma in-situ (LCIS). DCIS is the commoner form and makes up to 5% of symptomatic and 18% of screen detected cancers. In contrast, LCIS constitutes only 0.5% of symptomatic and approximately 1% of screen detected cancers.

Please choose from the following:

Ductal carcinoma in situ - Lobular carcinoma in situ - High risk patients

Lobular Carcinoma in situ (LCIS)

LCIS is histologically better defined than DCIS and some pathologists still use the term lobular hyperplasia synonymous with LCIS as there is histological homogeneity of these two conditions. Their natural courses are different and ideally they should be classified separately.

LCIS is normally discovered incidentally on breast biopsy because there are no characteristic clinical or mammographic features. LCIS is known to progress in a smaller percentage (10-15%) of patients into invasive carcinoma however because of its bilaterlity, a further 15-20% patients are likely to develop an invasive carcinoma in the contralateral breast.

Treatment of LCIS
The standard treatment is close observation however, there may be considerable anxiety in this approach because clinical examination or routine mammography may not pick up a carcinoma either. Bilateral mastectomies should be reserved for women who experience considerable anxiety that significantly reduces their quality of life.

If you require further advice or information please contact the
Macmillan Breast Care Nurses, Hazel Ricard and Hilary Rickwood on 020 8565 5885