Definition of Lobular carcinoma of the breast, infiltrating

Lobular carcinoma of the breast, infiltrating: Infiltrating lobular carcinoma is the second most common type of invasive breast cancer next to infiltrating ductal carcinoma, accounting for 5 to 10% of breast cancer.

Infiltrating lobular carcinoma starts in the lobules, the glands that secrete milk, and then infiltrates surrounding tissue.

On mammography, a lobular carcinoma can look similar to a ductal carcinoma -- a mass with fine spikes radiating from the edges (spiculation).

However, on physical examination of the breast, a lobular carcinoma is usually not a hard mass like a ductal carcinoma but rather a vague thickening of the breast tissue.

Lobular carcinoma can occur in more than one site in the breast (as a multicentric tumor) or in both breasts at the same time (as bilateral lobular carcinoma).

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Breast Biopsy - Learn about the different types of breast biopsy procedures, which are used to remove suspicious breast growth and examined for the presence of cancer.
• Pregnancy Symptoms - Read about early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and vomiting (morning sickness), bloating, tender breasts, food cravings, headaches, moods swings and more on MedicineNet.com.
• Early Cancer Detection And Treatment - Learn about cancer detection - symptoms, exams, diagnosis and treatment for different types of cancer on MedicineNet.com

Read more Breast related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Common Breast Cancer Traced to Cell Origins
• Radiation Dose Lower With Digital Mammography
• Are Fat Injections Safe for Breasts?