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Infiltrating (invasive) lobular carcinoma originates in the lobules (milk glands) of the breast and spreads to nearby breast tissue or other regions of the body. This accounts for about 10 percent of breast cancers. When breast cancer first develops there may be no symptoms. Early breast cancer does not usually cause pain. As the cancer grows, symptoms may occur, including a lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm that persists through the menstrual cycle, a change in the size or shape of the breast, nipple discharge, nipple pain or nipples turning inward, redness of the breast skin or nipple, and skin irritation or dimpling. There are different methods used to detect breast cancer. A mammogram is recommended annually for women 40 and over. A clinical breast examination, in which the doctor carefully feels the breasts and under the arms to check for lumps or other unusual changes, should be performed every three years between the ages of 20 and 39, and annually after the age of 40. If breast cancer is suspected, a diagnostic breast ultrasound may be performed. An ultrasound can distinguish between fluid filled cysts and solid lumps. A biopsy is the only sure way to confirm the presence of breast cancer. A sample of the suspect tissue is removed and studied under a microscope to detect cancerous cells. The tissue can drawn out by a needle, or removed through surgery. The type of treatment depends on the size and location of the breast tumor, as well as the extent of the disease. Breast cancer can be treated with local or systemic therapy. Some patients have both kinds of treatments. Local treatment is used to remove or destroy the breast cancer in a specific area. Surgery and radiation therapy are types of local treatment. Systemic treatments are used to destroy or control cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy are systemic treatments. |
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