Clinicopathological Features and Prognosis of Lobular Carcinoma In Situ

Abstract

Purpose According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer’s 8th Edition Manual, lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is no longer considered a malignant disease, although it may be a precursor to the development of breast cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological features and prognosis of LCIS. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed clinicopathological features and prognosis data of LCIS among patients who underwent breast surgery at Severance Hospital, Seoul, South Korea from 1991 to 2016. Results Of the 47 patients, 49 cases of LCIS were confirmed by postoperative pathology. The mean patient age was 48.15±8.34 years. Most patients (81.6%) did not have palpable tumors at diagnosis, and 51.0% showed no microcalcification on mammography. Breast-conserving surgery was performed more frequently than total mastectomy (77.6% vs. 22.4%). The mean tumor size was 1.63±2.11 cm. There were only 3 cases of pleomorphic LCIS. Hormone receptor-positive tumors were noted in 47 cases, however, the hormone receptor status was unknown in the other 2 cases. There were no LCIS recurrences or deaths during the follow-up period (mean 56 months). Conclusion LCIS is often incidentally diagnosed without clinical symptoms, especially in women aged <50 years. The prognosis of LCIS is excellent in cases that are surgically treated.