What does “lobular” mean? What does “ductal” mean? What does it mean for my treatment?
Each breast is composed of up to 20 sections called “lobes.” Each lobe is made up of many smaller “lobules,” where milk is made. Lobes and lobules are connected by small tubes called “ducts” that can carry milk to the nipple. Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is a benign tumor that consists of abnormal cells in the lining of a lobule. Even though “carcinoma” refers to cancer, LCIS is not a cancer and there is no evidence that the abnormal cells of LCIS will spread like cancer. Instead, having LCIS means that a woman has an increased risk of developing breast cancer in either breast. Despite the increased risk, most women with LCIS will never get breast cancer. No treatment is necessary and surgery is not usually recommended for LCIS. Occasionally women with LCIS choose bilateral mastectomy as a preventive measure, but most surgeons consider this inappropriate. Some women choose to take tamoxifen to decrease the likelihood of breast cancer.
