What is lobular breast cancer and what are the symptoms? Please!

[Wessy]

Hi! I have been researching lobular carcinoma of the breast and have a few questions. Is it painful? Does dimpling occur?  I understand that mammography and/or ultasound can be "normal" and that the lobular cancer is present, right?

I have a MRI scheduled when "I start my period again",..do I have to wait for my period because the "suspicious" site will lite up more for the MRI with the added hormone present?

Any advice or answers will be more than appreciated!!!!!

Thanks!  

[frustratedrg]

I had invasive lobular cancer which was 1.3cm. it did not show on mammo but it was obvious by palpation.  it showed on ultrasound.  it also was very round but hard and when it was removed it was pretty regularly shaped also.    

[Wessy]

Thanks a bunch for your comment and advice! Maybe I will move my MRI up instead of waiting if I can because there is nothing that stands out during my cycle that isn't happening now-it stays the same; same pain and same dimple. Anyway, thanks again for the response! Take care.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

You are correct regarding the mammogram and the ultrasound.  Lobular cancers can present with breast lumps, pain, and dimpling and still would turn out unremarkable on mammogram or ultrasound.  The MRI can visualize this better and I also suggest that a biopsy be performed if there are any lumps found.  Lobular cancers also tend to have an irregular, non-definitive borders.  I believe it would not matter much whether when you have your MRI.  It is a different question though if the lump or nodule only appears during a certain period of your menstrual cycle, in that case, an MRI right before your next period may be more appropriate.

Regards and God bless.