In the U.S., breast cancer is the most common cancer in women (other than skin cancers), but what some may not know is that there are many different types of breast cancer. One of the most common types – lobular cancer – accounts for around 10% to 15% of all breast cancer cases, making it the second most common form of breast cancer. But, what does it mean to have lobular breast cancer? Who is most at risk? And what is its prognosis?
Lobular breast cancer – often called invasive lobular cancer, or ILC – is when cancer cells form in the breast’s lobules. In normal breasts, around 15 to 20 lobes can be found: these are the glands that produce milk in a lactating breast surrounding the nipple area. There are many lobules within each lobe that form in clusters. Invasive lobular breast cancer may spread from a lobule into surrounding breast tissue; if left untreated, the cancer may spread to nearby lymph nodes.
For lobular breast cancer, the symptoms are sometimes not as obvious as many other forms of breast cancer, which are often found through the palpation of a lump or mass. Instead, lobular breast cancer most often presents with symptoms such as an inverted nipple, dimpling of the breast skin, a seemingly thickened area in the armpit or breast, breast pain, or nipple discharge.
Everyone with breast tissue can develop lobular cancer, but it’s most frequently diagnosed in women or people assigned female at birth, and it’s most often found in people in their mid-50s and beyond.
While lobular breast cancer may present differently, like many other forms of breast cancer, the standard practice of care usually includes surgery to remove the impacted breast tissue. In some cases, radiation and/or chemotherapy may be needed. Other hormonal or targeted therapies may be used in conjunction with these methods.
Lobular breast cancer often has favorable initial outcomes, but its unique long-term behavior means you need to stay vigilant. Unlike some other breast cancers, ILC carries a risk of recurrence that can extend for decades, well beyond the typical five-year mark. While early detection is crucial for improving treatment outcomes, it’s just as important for you and your healthcare provider to prioritize long-term monitoring, stick to your treatment plan, and stay aware of potential signs of late recurrence.
By understanding the distinctive nature of ILC, you can work closely with your medical team to create a personalized strategy that addresses ongoing risks and helps you achieve the best possible outcomes.
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