Lobular Breast Cancer Uncovered: Expert Insights With Dr. Liz O'riordan

Summary

In this informative video, Dr. Liz O'Riordan shares her personal journey with lobular breast cancer and educates viewers on its unique characteristics, symptoms, and treatment options. She explains how lobular cancers differ from ductal cancers, emphasizing their stealthy growth patterns and challenges in detection. Viewers will learn about the importance of regular breast checks, diagnostic methods, and the complexities of treatment, including surgery, hormonal therapy, and emerging research. Dr. O'Riordan also highlights the need for increased clinical trials and understanding of lobular cancer to improve patient outcomes and awareness.

Takeaways

• 🎗️ Lobular breast cancer accounts for 10-15% of all breast cancers and arises from glandular tissue, making it different from the more common ductal cancers.
• 🔍 Detection of lobular breast cancer is challenging as it grows in a single-file pattern, often eluding standard mammograms and physical exams.
• 🩺 Symptoms may include skin dimpling, breast thickening, or nipple retraction, highlighting the importance of regular self-examinations.
• 🧪 Imaging methods like ultrasound and MRI are crucial for accurate diagnosis, with MRIs being particularly effective in detecting lobular cancers.
• 🏥 Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the tumor, with options including lumpectomy or mastectomy, followed by hormonal therapy for ER-positive cases.
• 💊 Chemotherapy is less effective for lobular breast cancer due to its slow-growing nature, and hormonal therapy is often prioritized.
• 🔄 Recurrence risk is significant, with lobular cancers potentially recurring even many years after initial treatment, necessitating ongoing follow-up care.
• 📉 Research indicates that lobular cancers may have a better outcome in the first five years post-treatment but could pose higher recurrence risks later on.
• 🔬 New research is exploring immunotherapy and genetic mutations specific to lobular cancers, aiming to improve treatment options and outcomes.
• 📚 Ongoing studies are essential to better understand lobular breast cancer and develop targeted therapies that can improve the lives of patients.

Q & A

What is lobular breast cancer?

Lobular breast cancer originates from the glandular tissue that produces milk in the breasts, accounting for 10-15% of all breast cancers. It typically presents as a slow-growing, hormone receptor-positive cancer.

How is lobular breast cancer different from ductal breast cancer?

Lobular breast cancer grows in a single-file pattern, making it harder to detect on mammograms, while ductal cancers grow in clumps. This difference in growth patterns can affect how the cancers are diagnosed and treated.

What are common symptoms of lobular breast cancer?

Common symptoms include skin dimpling, a thicker breast, nipple retraction, and unusual breast changes. These signs can be subtle, making regular self-exams important.

How is lobular breast cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs. Lobular cancers can be difficult to detect; ultrasounds find around 90% of cases, while MRIs can identify over 95%.

What treatment options are available for lobular breast cancer?

Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the cancer, possibly followed by radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy. Chemotherapy may be less effective due to the slow-growing nature of lobular cancer.

Does lobular breast cancer have a worse survival rate compared to ductal cancer?

Survival rates can vary, but lobular cancers tend to have fewer recurrences in the first five years. However, they are more likely to return after ten years compared to ductal cancers.

What are the risks of recurrence in lobular breast cancer?

Lobular breast cancer can recur many years after treatment, sometimes up to 10 or 20 years later, often leading to stage 4 disease. It can spread to various organs, including the liver and abdominal cavity.

What ongoing research is being conducted for lobular breast cancer?

Research areas include immunotherapy and targeted therapies aimed at specific genetic mutations found in lobular cancers. Trials are underway to improve treatment outcomes and develop better screening methods.

How can patients monitor for potential metastasis of lobular breast cancer?

Patients should be aware of unusual symptoms such as indigestion, constipation, or changes in urinary habits, and seek medical advice if these persist for more than three or four weeks.

What is the role of hormonal therapy in treating lobular breast cancer?

Hormonal therapy aims to lower estrogen levels in the blood to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, especially in ER-positive lobular breast cancer patients. This treatment can include medications like letrozole or tamoxifen.