What Are the Treatment Options for Lobular Carcinoma In Situ?

LCIS is a change in cells inside the breast lobules. Classic LCIS is usually treated as a marker of increased future breast cancer risk rather than as an invasive cancer that must be removed immediately. Pleomorphic LCIS, or a biopsy showing another concerning change nearby, may need a different plan because the abnormal area can be more clinically significant.

The recommended approach depends on the pathology report, whether the imaging and biopsy findings agree, family history, previous breast procedures, other health conditions, and personal preferences. A breast surgeon, breast radiologist, and specialist in breast disease may review these details together.

For classic LCIS with matching imaging and biopsy results, the plan may be regular clinical review and breast imaging. The schedule is personalised and may include mammography, breast MRI, or other imaging when the specialist considers it appropriate.

Risk-reducing endocrine therapy can lower the chance of developing certain hormone-sensitive breast cancers. These medicines can cause side effects and are not suitable for everyone, so discuss benefits, other medicines, bone health, menstrual or reproductive plans, and clotting history before deciding. Read more about [Risk-Reducing Endocrine Therapy](/treatments/risk-reduction-and-prevention/risk-reducing-endocrine-therapy/).

Surgical removal of the sampled area may be considered when LCIS is pleomorphic, when the pathology and imaging do not match, or when another abnormality is present. Preventive removal of both breasts is an uncommon, highly personal option generally reserved for a much higher inherited or family risk after careful counselling.

Contact your breast clinic promptly if you notice a new lump, nipple inversion, bloody nipple discharge, skin dimpling, persistent one-sided breast change, or swelling in the armpit. These findings do not by themselves diagnose cancer, but they need assessment rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Arrange review if you cannot attend planned imaging or if a medicine causes troublesome symptoms such as unusual bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, or a painful swollen leg. A clinician can assess the symptom and decide whether treatment should be changed.

Ask which LCIS type appears in the pathology report, whether the imaging and biopsy agree, and whether another biopsy or surgery is recommended. You can also ask what imaging schedule fits your risk, whether endocrine therapy is appropriate, which side effects need urgent attention, and how your family history changes the plan.

Keep copies of your pathology and imaging reports so that future breast specialists can compare new findings with the original results. Guidance on [Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment](/treatments/survivorship-and-rehabilitation/post-treatment-surveillance/) may help you understand how ongoing review is organised.