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Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma
Etiology

Unknown
Pathogenesis

Unknown
? BRCA1 mutations,
Epidemiology

Between 3-14% of invasive carcinomas of the breast depending on microscopic criteria for diagnosis
More common in older women with breast cancer
General Gross Description

Mass may be firm to hard or not readily palpable or visible
May be detected mammographically, although microcalcifications are uncommon
•Examples:
General Microscopic Description

Neoplastic cells infiltrate in small linear groups: "Indian file"
Circle around preexisting benign ducts forming a "target"
Some variants are recognized with solid, tubulolobular or alveolar patterns
Intracytoplasmic lumens may be identified by electron microscopy
Mucin vacuoles creating a signet ring appearance with a nucleus pressed against the cytoplasmic membrane by a large mucin vacuole may be seen.
•Examples:
Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma of Breast (Low Power) Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma of Breast (Medium Power) Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma of Breast (High Power) Lobular Carcinoma of Breast (Low Power) Lobular Carcinoma of Breast (Med Power) Lobular Carcinoma of Breast (High Power)
Clinical Correlation

Bilaterality ranges from 6-28%
Neoplasms spread to axillary lymph nodes and then disseminate to lungs, liver, and bone
Therapy dependent on stage with treatment similar to that with invasive duct carcinoma
References

Rosen PP, Oberman H. Tumors of the Mammary Gland. Washington, AFIP, 1993, pp. 168-175.

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Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma
Synopsis by: Melinda Sanders M.D. (T04000M85203)[315]
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