Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS)

Malignancy of the secretory lobules of the breast that is contained within the basement membrane

Aetiology

  • Usually diagnosed before menopause

Pathophysiology

  • Much rarer than DCIS however individuals with LCIS are at greater risk of developing an invasive breast malignancy

Clinical presentation

  • Usually asymptomatic

Investigations

  • LCIS is usually asymptomatic, much like DCIS, however LCIS is not associated with microcalcifications but instead usually diagnosed as an incidental finding during biopsy of the breast

Management

  • If L(is)N discovered on core biopsy - proceed to excision or vacuum biopsy to exclude higher grade lesion
  • If L(is)N is discovered on vacuum or excision biopsy - followup, clinical trials

Other lobular precursor lesions

  • Lobular carcinoma in situ involves >50% of lobule involved; atypical lobular hyperplasia is the term used when <50% of lobule involved