LOBULAR CARCINOMA IN SITU (LCIS)

While lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) sounds like a type of breast cancer, it is probably more accurate to say that it is an abnormal finding which suggests that the patient is at an additional risk of developing breast cancer in the future.

It is often asymptomatic, and may be found as a result of a patient undergoing mammograms for unrelated reasons such as breast pain, or through the national NHS breast screening programme.

Part of your initial assessment will be to ensure that there is not an invasive breast cancer associated with the area of LCIS identified, at which point we will be able to reassure you that you do not require any form of treatment at that time.

Whilst a diagnosis of LCIS is significant, it is important not to panic. Whilst it does predict a possible increased breast cancer risk in the future, it does not mean that such a diagnosis is inevitable or that you will have to undergo radical risk reduction surgery like a mastectomy.

We can discuss lifestyle modifications which you can make in order to reduce your risk of breast cancer generally. We can also discuss future surveillance of your breasts with the use of breast imaging such as mammograms carried out more regularly than is used in the national screening programme.

Discussion with Rachel is important to answer any questions that you may have. For information about any additional conditions not featured within the site, please contact us for more information.