Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS)

• Symptoms of LCIS and ALH

  • LCIS and ALH usually do not cause any symptoms, such as a lump or other visible changes to the breast, and are not commonly seen on a mammogram.

• Diagnosis of LCIS and ALH

  • LCIS and ALH are commonly diagnosed after you have a breast biopsy for another problem with your breast in a nearby area.

• Treatment of LCIS and ALH and reducing the risk of invasive breast cancer

  • Because both LCIS and ALH are non-cancerous, many women have no treatment after the biopsy.

  • In some cases, your doctor may recommend completely removing the LCIS or ALH with either an excisional biopsy or lumpectomy.

• Because LCIS and ALH increase your risk of being diagnosed with invasive breast cancer later in life, your doctor will recommend more frequent breast cancer screening. You and your doctor will develop a personalized screening plan based on your unique situation which may include:

  • a breast physical exam every six to 12 months

  • A mammogram at least every 12 months; your screening plan may include both a mammogram and breast MRI each year, done six months apart.

  • breast self-exam

• There are other steps you and your doctor may consider to keep your risk of invasive breast cancer as low as it can be, including.

  • maintaining a healthy weight

  • exercising regularly

  • limiting alcohol

  • eating a healthy diet rich in vegetables, protein, and fruit, and avoiding sugar and heavily processed foods

  • Never smoke or quit if you do smoke.

  • Taking hormonal therapy to lower the risk of hormone-receptor-positive invasive breast cancer.

  • Having risk-reducing surgery to remove healthy breasts, also called prophylactic mastectomy.