Please explain "thickening"

Hi Aimers,

In my case, my lobular cancer went undetected by mammogram, ultrasound and physical palpation for many years.  When it was finally discovered, it was by palpation by the nurse practitioner.  When she pointed it out to me and asked me to feel it also, I could feel a large area just below my nipple that felt "firmer", was "flat" not lumpy.  Once I knew it was there, I could almost see a faint outline of the mass in the mirror when I raised my arms above my head.  It did not feel like a standard round tumor mass, but more like a "pancake" type area of tissue that was just not as soft and pliable as normal breast tissue.  This is what they mean by "thickening" with lobular cancer.  The cells tend to grow in "rows" and spread out rather than form a more nodular mass. 

I have to go for a biopsy in 2 wks for my L breast- R was diagnosed with LCIS in Feb.  At my post op mammo & us, the tech said something about thickening in my left breast-I really didn't know what she meant.  My mom had ILc & lcis.  You guys have been so great in helping me understand thickening and how it pertains to ILC. When I go for the biopsy on the 13th I now have some additional things to bring up!