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Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma of Breast (High Power)
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Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma of Breast (High Power)

This high power view shows the cytologic features of lobular carcinoma.
The cells have oval to round nuclei and may be "signet ring" (arrows) with a vacuole of mucin forming the hole in the center of a ring and the nucleus bulgin to form the seal or stone in the ring.
The linear pattern of infiltration is also known as "indian filing".
(Description By:Melinda Sanders, M.D. )
(Image Contrib. by: UCHC )
Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma
Etiology

Unknown
Pathogenesis

Unknown
? BRCA1 mutations,
Epidemiology

Between 3-14% of invasive carcinomas of the breast depending on microscopic criteria for diagnosis
More common in older women with breast cancer
General Gross Description

Mass may be firm to hard or not readily palpable or visible
May be detected mammographically, although microcalcifications are uncommon
General Microscopic Description

Neoplastic cells infiltrate in small linear groups: "Indian file"
Circle around preexisting benign ducts forming a "target"
Some variants are recognized with solid, tubulolobular or alveolar patterns
Intracytoplasmic lumens may be identified by electron microscopy
Mucin vacuoles creating a signet ring appearance with a nucleus pressed against the cytoplasmic membrane by a large mucin vacuole may be seen.
Clinical Correlation

Bilaterality ranges from 6-28%
Neoplasms spread to axillary lymph nodes and then disseminate to lungs, liver, and bone
Therapy dependent on stage with treatment similar to that with invasive duct carcinoma
References

Rosen PP, Oberman H. Tumors of the Mammary Gland. Washington, AFIP, 1993, pp. 168-175.
Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma
Synopsis by: Melinda Sanders M.D. (T04000M85203)[315]
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