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Malformed cells in glandular tissue (milk producing tissue) of the breast eventually may become a lobular carcinoma. Lobular carcinoma occurs in both an invasive and a noninvasive form. At a very early stage the noninvasive form is called "lobular carcinoma in situ" (LCIS) or "lobular neoplasia". LCIS is characterized by clusters of malignant cells that are contained within the lobule of the breast. LCIS is more difficult to diagnose than DCIS because it does not develop a mass or tumor that can be felt and does not show up on mammography. It is usually found when a breast biopsy is done for another reason. LCIS affects only women and with a peak incidence at age 45 years, and decreasing in incidence after menopause. Approximately 90 percent of women with LCIS are premenopausal. Estrogen receptors are found in most lesions; therefore, the development of LCIS may be related to hormonal influences. Many experts do not consider LCIS to be a true malignancy, cancer, or even a pre-malignant condition, but rather a marker for increased risk of invasive breast cancer. There is some controversy about how LCIS should be treated. The treatment options for LCIS are biopsy followed by close follow-up and mammograms every 6 to 12 months, bilateral mastectomy (because the risk of invasive breast cancer is equal for either breast) with breast reconstruction if desired, and chemoprevention with tamoxifen.  This content is reviewed regularly. Last Updated 6/6/2007
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