Invasive lobular carcinoma is a type of breast cancer that starts in the milk-producing glands of the breast, also known as lobules, is called.
Invasive cancer indicates that the cancer cells have broken out of their starting lobule and can spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
Although, it is common in breast cancer, invasive lobular carcinoma does not typically form a lump. Instead, changes in the breast that feels more like a thickening or fullness in one part of the breast and is different from surrounding breast tissue can be experienced.
Identifying the signs
Like any other type of cancer, invasive lobular carcinoma must be detected at its earliest stages. However, in its initial stage, this type of cancer may cause no signs or symptoms. As it grows in size, invasive lobular carcinoma starts showing the following signs:
Thickened area in part of breast
Development of new area of fullness or swelling in the breast
Change in texture or appearance of skin over breast which looks like dimpling or thickening
Formation of invasive lobular carcinoma
Formation of invasive lobular carcinoma is believed to begin when cells in one or more milk-producing glands of the breast develop mutations in their DNA. These mutations are responsible for uncontrolled cell growth, causing cells to divide and grow at a rapid rate. Spreading of cancer cells to other parts of the body primarily depends on the aggressiveness of the cancer type.
Are you at risk?
Certain factors add to the risk of developing invasive lobular carcinoma cells more than others. Find out the factors that may increase your risk.
Being female
Although women are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, men can also suffer from the condition.
Older age
Ageing plays a significant role in development of breast cancer. Women who suffer from invasive lobular carcinoma are usually found to be a few years older than women who are diagnosed with other types of breast cancer.
Postmenopausal hormone use
Female body uses estrogen and progesterone during and after menopause, which increases risk of invasive lobular carcinoma. It is commonly believed by researchers that these hormones boost tumour growth and also make detection of tumour more difficult on mammograms.
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