How unusual is it to have IDC, ILC, and LCIS in same breast at same time, and how does this affect prognosis and treatment? Both primary tumors were grade 1, stage 1. The IDC was 6mm and the ILC was 15mm. Had a right mastectomy. Awaiting oncotyping result of ILC. IDC not sent off....should it have been? Also, should I receive MRI on left breast yearly for surveillance, as I have dense breasts, and the ILC was only discovered post-mastectomy? Or should I have left mastectomy, as I often read about lobular mirroring itself in opposite breast?
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Q: How unusual is it to have IDC and ILC in same breast at same time, and how affects prognosis?
Answers (1)
1/ 5/09 6:52am
Hi - It's really not that unusual to have a mix of types of breast cancers, especially with how small the tumors are; breast cancer can kind of kick off in a number of spots in your breast. At grade 1, stage 1, this is eminently treatable. Not sure about the ONcotype - perhaps, with ILC being the bigger tumor, they figured they'd start there and see what Ocotype said about chemo. LCIS, by the way, isn't considered cancer, so that's good; it's a pre-cancerous condition, like atypical hyperplasia.
As for monitoring, I had a 1.6cm ILC in my right breast, dense breasts, one lymph node involved, 7 years ago. I had a single mastectomy and since then have simply had a yearly mammogram (and regular visits to the oncologist, of course). I've never had an MRI; my oncologist says it isn't necessary. Having a double mastectomy is entirely up to you, but understand that, while it reduces your risk of a new cancer in the other breast (obviously), it doesn't change your overall survival risk. Having a double mastectomy is a very personal choice, and you have to do what feels right for you; but it's also VERY invasive surgery, sometimes with longtime shoulder issues, so think very hard before you go that route, OK? Good luck - PJH
6/ 3/09 6:12pm
Hi Karen - Yes, I did have chemo... If I were you, I'd ask for the Oncotype-DX test (assuming you're hormone-receptive), which has been proving very useful to women in your situation. It really helps you decide whether or not to do chemo, when your diagnosis puts you on the fence... Good luck, and sorry I didn't answer sooner, your comment went into my spam filter! PJH
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By bako1022— Last Modified: 11/02/10, First Published: 01/05/09
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Ms. Hamel,
Am I correct that you had one positive lymph node with your ILC and did not have to undergo chemo?
I recently underwent a left breast mastectomy and two tumors were found; one 1.2 cm ILC and a .5 cm IDC. My nodes tested clear during surgery, but in the third and final stage of pathology -- the staining -- four individual cancer cells were found. In the aggregate they measured .4mm and I am now considered N1(mic). I'm getting different information from my surgeon and the oncolgoist as to how this changes treatament and my prognosis. The oncologist doesnt' seem to think I'll need chemo but the surgeon doesn't seem comfortable with this. Any guidance you could would be appreciated.