Pathology Report

Miss TW----the diagnosis of LCIS is very controversial. No one in the medical community can seem to agree--technically it is a stage 0, non-invasive in-situ breast cancer; but many feel it is only a marker for increased risk of invasive bc in the future. (it totally depends on what studies you read and what physicians you go to; my oncologist is emphatic that it is bc, just a non-invasive type). It is definitely stage 0, not stage 1. (did they say you had any invasive bc along with the LCIS?)  Generally, radiation is not recommended for (classic) LCIS, but I have read of it being recommended in cases of pleomorphic LCIS (PLCIS)--did they mention any pleomorphism?  The 2 preventative meds given for LCIS are tamoxifen (pre and post menopausal) and evista (only post menopausal)---they don't reduce estrogen, just block the estrogen from binding to the receptors in the breast tissue. (the aromatase inhibitors (AIs) actually reduce estrogen, but they haven't been studied long enough with LCIS.) I was diagnosed with LCIS 7 years ago and am also high risk due to family history of ILC (mom). I took tamox for 5 years and now continue with high risk surveillance of alternating mammos and MRIs every 6 months, and now take evista for continued prevention. PM me if you'd like to talk.

Anne