invasive lobular carcinoma recurrence after mastectomy

Championisme authors

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12-10-2024

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Invasive Lobular Carcinoma: Understanding Recurrence After Mastectomy

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is a type of breast cancer that accounts for 10-15% of all breast cancers. Unlike invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), the most common type, ILC cells grow in a single file line, making it difficult to detect on mammograms. This unique characteristic can make it challenging to assess the extent of the disease and its potential for recurrence, even after mastectomy.

Why is Recurrence a Concern After Mastectomy for ILC?

While mastectomy offers a high chance of removing the primary tumor, ILC has a higher risk of recurrence compared to IDC. This is due to a few key factors:

• Multifocality: ILC often presents with multiple tumors in the same breast, making it difficult to completely remove all cancerous tissue during surgery.
• Infiltrative Growth: ILC cells tend to infiltrate surrounding tissue in a diffuse manner, making it challenging to define tumor margins and ensure complete removal during mastectomy.
• Micrometastasis: Even with a seemingly clean surgical margin, microscopic cancer cells may be present in the surrounding tissue, leading to later recurrence.

Understanding the Risk Factors:

Several factors influence the risk of ILC recurrence after mastectomy:

• Tumor size and grade: Larger tumors and higher-grade tumors are associated with a higher risk of recurrence.
• Lymph node involvement: The presence of cancer cells in the lymph nodes is a significant indicator of a higher risk of recurrence.
• Hormone receptor status: ILC often expresses estrogen and progesterone receptors, making hormone therapy an essential component of treatment and reducing recurrence risk.
• Age at diagnosis: Younger women tend to have a higher risk of recurrence compared to older women.

Research Insights from ScienceDirect:

According to a study published in the journal "Breast Cancer Research and Treatment" by Dr. Sarah L. Kim and colleagues (2019), "Invasive lobular carcinoma with multifocality or multicentricity is associated with an increased risk of recurrence after mastectomy." This research underscores the importance of understanding the tumor's extent and the potential for residual disease even after surgery.

What Can Patients Do?

For patients diagnosed with ILC, it is crucial to actively participate in their care and discuss potential risks and benefits of different treatment options with their healthcare team.

• Regular Follow-up: Post-mastectomy surveillance with regular clinical exams, imaging studies (mammograms, ultrasound, MRI), and blood tests helps detect any potential recurrence early on.
• Adjuvant Therapy: Hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence by eliminating any remaining microscopic cancer cells.
• Clinical Trials: Participating in clinical trials allows patients access to cutting-edge therapies and contributes to advancing research in this challenging area.

Conclusion:

While ILC is a challenging type of breast cancer, understanding its characteristics and risk factors can empower patients to make informed decisions regarding their treatment and follow-up care. Early detection, comprehensive treatment, and vigilant surveillance are crucial in managing the risk of recurrence and improving long-term survival for individuals with ILC.

Note: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment recommendations.