Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
What Is Lobular Carcinoma In Situ?
Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS) is not breast cancer. It is a condition where abnormal cells are found in the lobules of the breast. The atypical cells have not spread outside of the lobules into the surrounding breast tissue.
LCIS is highly treatable and seldom becomes invasive cancer. However, having LCIS in one breast increases the risk of developing breast cancer in either breast.
What Does The Term “In Situ” Mean?
Although LCIS is not considered breast cancer, it still has the term carcinoma in the name. The earliest stages of cancers are called “carcinoma in situ.” Carcinoma means “cancer” and in situ means “in the original place.”
What Is The Difference Between Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS) and Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)?
LCIS is a collection of abnormal cells found in the lobules, or milk glands, of the breast. LCIS is a breast condition and is not considered breast cancer. DCIS is early-stage breast cancer that is found in the milk ducts of the breast.
Medically reviewed June 2023
Materials on this page courtesy of National Cancer Institute