Any Lobular Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

Using mammogram or BSE (Breast Self Exam) to diagnose lobular breast cancer, also known as lobular carcinoma, may not be easy. This is because it spreads in a weblike manner and the tumors are yet to be solid. A breast ultrasound is more effective, but its size is often underestimated. This involves a biopsy followed by a CT or MRI scan to determine the actual size of the lobular breast tumor and the extent of its damage. During biopsy of lobular breast cancer, the cancerous cells are removed to determine its stage. Hormone receptors will also be tested to determine the treatments that are effective.

Treatment

Lobular breast cancer usually develops in both breasts and spreads slowly. It spreads from the breast to other parts of the body such as the abdominal lining, GI tract, and the ovaries causing secondary tumors. This makes the prognosis more positive. The treatment usually includes surgery with additional treatments, such as radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy.

Surgery for the removal of lobular breast cancer may be a simple process if the tumor is small. If the tumor is big, complete mastectomy may be necessary. During surgery, the lymph nodes are tested to determine whether the cancerous cells have spread into the lymph nodes system. If the lymph nodes are infected, they are removed during surgery as well.

Before surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy may be used to reduce the tumor size. They are also used after surgery to ensure that any remaining cancerous cells are killed and prevented from being spread.

Shockingly, invasive lobular breast cancer sufferers have better survival rates although it is usually discovered at a later stage when the tumor size is big and more difficult to detect. Many are declared to be cancer free for at least 10 years after treatment.

Felicia does health fitness and women's health medical researches. To win the fight against breast cancer, find out how you can eliminate it and not your breast while developing a healthy body that will take care of you for years to come.