Invasive lobular carcinoma

Invasive lobular carcinoma, abbreviated ILC, is the second most common form of Invasive breast cancer.

It may be referred to as lobular carcinoma; however, this may lead to confusion with lobular carcinoma in situ.

General

• May be associated with a CDH1 mutation - seen in diffuse type gastric cancer.

Microscopic

Features:

• "Single file" - cell line-up in a row.
  • Cell should not be cohesive -- lymphoma should briefly come to mind.
    • primary lymphoma of the breast exists... but it is extremely rare.
• NO gland formation.
  • If it forms glands... it is more likely NST.
• May have signet ring morphology.
• NO desmoplastic reaction, i.e. the stroma surrounding the tumour cells should look benign and undisturbed.

Note:

• Commonly have low grade nuclear features.

Images

• 

  Lobular carcinoma - low mag. (WC/Nephron)

• 

  Lobular carcinoma - high mag. (WC/Nephron)

• 

  Lobular carcinoma - very high mag. (WC/Nephron)

More WC images:

• Lobular carcinoma - 1 (WC).
• Lobular carcinoma - 2 (WC).

Subclassification

• Classic lobular carcinoma.
  • Low nuclear grade - NO significant variation of nucleus size.
• Pleomorphic lobular carcinoma.
  • Significant nuclear atypia.

Note:

• Some pathologist grade lobular carcinoma like other types and avoid the term "pleomorphic lobular carcinoma."

See also

• Invasive breast cancer.