1. health and fitness
2. disease
3. cancer

1
LCIS – Past, Present and Future
Timothy W. Jacobs, M.D.
Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) and atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) are
relatively uncommon lesions. Breast lesions with some morphologic features similar to
what we now recognize as ALH and LCIS were illustrated in publications by Ewing in
1919(1) and Broders in 1932(2). However, the features of classic LCIS were originally
described in 1941 by Foote and Stewart who used the term “carcinoma in situ” to
suggest similarities to ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in part because the constituent
cells resembled those found in invasive lobular carcinoma(3). More recently in situ
carcinomas with ambiguous histologic features have been recognized. One of these
variants, pleomorphic LCIS (PLCIS), exhibits the growth pattern of classic LCIS but is
composed of larger and more pleomorphic cells. Because ALH and LCIS have identical
cytologic features and are defined histologically by differing degrees of distension of
involved spaces, some authorities have advocated using the term lobular neoplasia to
encompass both entities. The term lobular intraepithelial neoplasia (LIN) has also been
proposed to include the morphologic spectrum of classic ALH and LCIS through PLCIS,
however this classification scheme has not found widespread epidemiological or clinical
applicability.
This presentation will cover the following areas relating to LCIS:
1. Historical perspective
2. LCIS as a risk factor vs. non-obligate precursor
3. Morphologic issues and “variants”
4. Core needle biopsy issues
This text handout will specifically concentrate on morphologic “variants” and core needle
biopsy issues.
LCIS morphology and “variants
In most cases, the categorization of carcinoma in situ (CIS) as either lobular
carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) does not usually present
diagnostic difficulty. However as this case illustrates, there are areas of overlap
between these two lesions. The distinction between LCIS and DCIS has important
therapeutic implications. Patients with LCIS are most often managed by careful
observation (with possible the addition of selective estrogen receptor modulators, e.g.
tamoxifen), while the treatment of DCIS is aimed at eradication of the lesion (with wide
local excision, excision and radiation therapy, or mastectomy). Furthermore,
assessment of the microscopic margin status is clinically important in DCIS but not in
LCIS (4). Lastly, how best to manage patients whose core needle biopsy shows LCIS
(whether conventional type or variant) is currently an area of intense debate; in contrast,
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the management of DCIS on core biopsy is more clear-cut, with all patients requiring
further surgical intervention.
LCIS versus DCIS
LCIS may be confused with DCIS in the following situations:
1. DCIS may extend into recognizable lobules and be mistaken for LCIS (also known
as “cancerization of lobules”) (5, 6) and LCIS may involve extralobular ducts,
mimicking DCIS (7).
2. DCIS and LCIS may coexist in the same breast (8) and even in the same ductallobular unit (9).
3. In situ carcinomas may display ambiguous cytologic and/or architectural features
which deviate from the usual patterns, making it difficult to determine if these
proliferations are lobular or ductal in nature (i.e. carcinomas in situ with
indeterminate features).
Although the first two situations rarely cause difficulties for pathologists, the third
category of histologically ambiguous in-situ lesions provides both diagnostic and
management challenges. There has been much discussion regarding the classification
and treatment of such equivocal in situ carcinomas, with some authors proposing a
combined or mixed ductal and lobular category (10), and others favoring categorization
as one type or the other (11-15). Analysis of genetic and immunophenotypic
characteristics of these histologically ambiguous in situ carcinomas, in comparison to
unambiguous cases of LCIS and DCIS should provide useful information toward
defining their biologic nature and assisting in their categorization.
:
Potential Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Markers
The role of immunohistochemical marker in categorization of ambiguous in situ
carcinomas remains a subject of current debate, including the utility of E-cadherin, high
molecular weight cytokeratin and catenins.
E-cadherin has shown recent promise in defining the nature of these indeterminate in
situ carcinomas (16-21). E-cadherin protein expression is lost in most invasive lobular
carcinomas (22-28) and in LCIS (23-26, 29), but not in invasive ductal carcinoma (2328) or DCIS (23, 24, 26, 28, 29). We and others have reported the utility of IHC for Ecadherin in assisting to categorize carcinomas in situ with indeterminate histologic
features (16-18). Recently, however, Da Silva et al (30) reported heterogeneous
immunostaining of E-cadherin in invasive lobular carcinomas. Four of 25 invasive
lobular carcinomas had some positive E-cadherin immunostaining; however all 4 cases
had genomic features of invasive lobular carcinoma (16q loss, 1q gain, 11q loss).
Therefore, positive immunostaining for E-cadherin does not exclude the diagnosis of an
otherwise classic invasive lobular carcinoma by morphologic/H&E criteria. These
findings have implications for categorization of in situ lesions based solely on Ecadherin immunohistochemistry.
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High molecular weight cytokeratin (HMW-CK): Cytokeratin immunostaining in
conjunction with E-cadherin has been proposed to differentiate lobular from ductal
lesions (21, 28). In one recent study, IHC for HMW-CK using antibody 34ßE12 was
reported to compliment E-cadherin immunostaining(21). All LCIS cases were positive
for HMW-CK and negative for E-cadherin, in contrast to DCIS cases which were HMWCK negative and E-cadherin positive. However, some cases showed similar staining
with both antibodies (i.e. both positive or both negative for E-cadherin and HMW-CK),
and the exact biologic nature of these cases with dual “hybrid” phenotype is unclear. It
is also unclear which HMW-CK specificity of antibody 34ßE12 is relevant in these cases
(i.e. CK 1, 5, 10 and/or 14). IHC with 34ßE12 is also prone to methodologic issues.
Lastly, tonofilaments, the ultrastructural “epitope” for antibody 34ßE12, are known to be
present in both ductal and lobular carcinomas by electron microscopy, calling into
question the biologic validity of this approach.
Catenins are a group of proteins which associate with E-cadherin as a component of the
intercellular adhesion complex. α-, β- and γ-catenins are complexed with the carboxyterminal of the e-cadherin cytoplasmic tail, whereas p120-catenin attaches to the
cytoplasmic portion of e-cadherin adjacent to the plasma membrane. Recent studies
have shown that in ductal carcinomas, α-, β- and γ-catenins and p120 catenin show a
membranous immunostaining pattern (similar to that of E-cadherin). In lobular
carcinoma, expression of α-, β- and γ-catenins is lost, however p120-catenin
dissociates from the cell membrane and exhibits a cytoplasmic immunostaining
pattern(26, 31-33). An advantage is that the diagnostic IHC result for lobular lesions is
positive (i.e. cytoplasmic staining), which is often more reassuring than a negative IHC
finding (e.g. loss of membrane staining with E-cadherin).
Carcinomas in situ with indeterminate histologic features - categorization
Although these histologically ambiguous in situ carcinomas appear to be
heterogeneous, for conceptual purposes, they can be assigned to three general groups,
based primarily on their morphologic variation from classic LCIS:
1. Lesions with the dyshesive growth pattern characteristic of LCIS but with
pleomorphic cells – also known as “pleomorphic LCIS” (PLCIS)
2. Lesions with uniform monomorphic cells characteristic of those in classic LCIS, but
exhibiting cellular cohesion or an architectural pattern such as microacini.
3. Lesions with the characteristic cytologic features and growth pattern of LCIS but with
significant necrosis (usually comedo-type)
1) CIS with Pleomorphic Dyshesive Cells or Pleomorphic LCIS (PLCIS):
These in situ carcinomas exhibits a growth pattern characteristic of LCIS but with
individual cells showing marked nuclear pleomorphism, with increased nuclear size
(approximately 4x the size of a lymphocyte), variation in nuclear size with irregularity,
and easily seen nucleoli. Mitoses may also be found, and necrosis may be present. The
cytologic features are usually similar to those found in the individual cells of high grade
DCIS. Cases such as these have been referred to as pleomorphic LCIS (PLCIS)(12, 13,
34). All PLCIS cases have been shown to date to be negative for E-cadherin by
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immunohistochemistry (16, 18, 35). In one study, Sneige and co-workers (35) compared
a series of cases with “isolated” PLCIS (i.e. without invasive carcinoma) to cases of
PLCIS with invasion. All their PLCIS cases had similar cytomorphologic features and
biomarker expression profiles irrespective of the presence or absence of accompanying
invasive carcinoma. In particular, all cases were negative for E-cadherin (akin to LCIS)
but showed worrisome features not seen in LCIS and more often associated with DCIS
(pleomorphic cytology, more frequently positive for p53 by IHC and higher Ki67 staining
index) (35). In another interesting study, Reis-Filho, et al. (36) analyzed a case of
PLCIS with invasive carcinoma by IHC, CISH and CGH. Although the PLCIS had some
features similar to LCIS (e.g. negative for e-cadherin and beta-catenin by IHC, loss of
16q, gain of 1q), there were also “aggressive” characteristics (e.g. amplification of c-myc
and HER2.) Recently, we studied the immunophenotypic and genetic characteristics of
a cohort of PLCIS cases, some of which had distinctive apocrine features(37). All 31
cases were E-cadherin negative by IHC and the majority of cases showed 16q loss and
Iq gain by CGH (features akin to LCIS). However, as compared to conventional LCIS,
PLCIS cases showed significantly higher Ki67 index, lower estrogen receptor and
progesterone receptor expression, and higher incidence of HER2 gene amplification.
Furthermore, genomic instability was significantly more prevalent in cases of PLCIS with
apocrine histology. The findings support a relationship between conventional LCIS and
PLCIS; however, the high grade morphology, unfavorable biomarker profile and
genomic instability suggest a that PLCIS is a more significant lesion than conventional
LCIS. Nonetheless, the natural history of PLCIS is as yet not known. In particular it is
not known if the level and laterality of breast cancer risk associated with these lesions is
more similar to conventional LCIS or to DCIS. Although the follow-up was short (mean
17 months) in the study of Sneige et al. (35), it is interesting to note that the only case of
isolated PLCIS to recur was one which was not adequately surgically excised initially.
Meantime, in the absence larger clinical outcome studies with longer follow-up, it would
be prudent to follow a conservative approach with regard to the management of these
lesions.
2) CIS with small, uniform cells but with cohesion or some architectural pattern:
In situ carcinomas such as these have morphologic features found in both LCIS
and DCIS rendering categorization very difficult if not impossible on routine histology.
These problematic lesions are usually comprised of small, monomorphic neoplastic
cells, with or without cytoplasmic vacuoles, akin to those found in classic LCIS.
However, in some cases, these small uniform cells grow in a solid, cohesive, mosaic
pattern suggestive of solid pattern DCIS. In other cases, the cells may grow in a
primarily solid pattern and show microacinar-like structures, features suggestive of
DCIS, albeit with evidence of cellular dyshesion, a feature more characteristic of LCIS.
In our series of carcinomas in situ with indeterminate features, we found this group to be
quite heterogeneous with respect to E-cadherin immunostaining, with approximately
equal numbers of cases E-cadherin positive (akin to DCIS), E-cadherin negative (akin to
LCIS), or with both E-cadherin positive as well as E-cadherin negative tumor cells
within the same ductal-lobular space (suggesting a mixed phenotype) (16). Some Ecadherin-positive cases probably represent true cases of DCIS with morphologic
“artifacts” on routine hematoxylin and eosin staining (such as dyshesion) mimicking
5
LCIS. Also, foci of residual benign epithelial and/or myoepithelial structures within the
involved lobule may stain positive for E-cadherin but are not clearly discernable on
routine hematoxylin and eosin staining(16). Therefore, this phenomenon may produce
the illusion of DCIS-like architectural structures due to a scaffolding effect of residual
benign structures (19). It is not uncommon to see Pagetoid involvement by lobular
neoplasia of benign proliferations(15) and involvement of collagenous spherulosis by
LCIS is one example where cribriform pattern DCIS may be mimicked (38). Loss of
cohesion in cases of classic LCIS might also not readily be apparent in lobules
distended by neoplastic cells which are packed together, giving the illusion of a solid
proliferation and this may explain some E-cadherin negative cases. Histologically
indeterminate in situ carcinomas which show both E-cadherin-positive tumor cells and
E-cadherin-negative tumor cells probably represent cases with both DCIS and LCIS in
the same lobule or duct. (16, 18, 19). As noted, the diagnoses of LCIS and DCIS are not
mutually exclusive, with both lesions known to co-exist in the same breast (8) and even
in the same ductal-lobular system (9); some authorities have suggested a combined
ductal and lobular entity in morphologically ambiguous cases (10). Until further clinical
outcome data are available, however, it would seem prudent therefore that cases which
show both E-cadherin positive and negative cells in the same ductal-lobular space
should be treated as for DCIS rather than LCIS. In an interesting retrospective study,
Goldstein et al.(39) performed E-cadherin immunostaining on a series of cases
previously classified as LCIS by H&E morphology. Interestingly, 11% of “LCIS” cases
were focally positive for E-cadherin and these cases behaved closer to DCIS than those
LCIS cases without any E-cadherin staining. However, it is unclear whether these
“mixed cases” represent true LCIS with focal E-cadherin staining, true mixed CIS cases
or merely DCIS.
3) LCIS-like lesions with necrosis:
This variant pattern consists of in situ carcinomas with the cytologic and
architectural features typical of LCIS (i.e. distension of lobules by a proliferation of
dyshesive small cells, with uniform, round-to-oval, usually eccentric nuclei) but
exhibiting areas of comedo-type (central) necrosis. The exact classification and
management of such lesions has been a topic of much debate, with a spectrum of
opinions regarding the degree of necrosis that is permissible in LCIS. Page has
suggested that the presence of more than focal necrosis precludes a lesion from
categorization as LCIS(11). In contrast, Tavassoli (14) has stated that necrosis can
occur in LCIS, and that its presence does not necessarily imply that the lesion should be
considered DCIS; however, she cautions that this may be a reflection of “far-advanced
lobular neoplasia”, and should possibly be managed similar to intermediate grade DCIS.
Still, other authors have supported the notion that necrosis, even if abundant, does not
necessarily exclude a diagnosis of LCIS (15). In all studies where in situ lesions have
differed from LCIS only by the presence of comedo necrosis, E-cadherin expression by
IHC was lost (analogous to the immunophenotype of conventional LCIS)(16-18, 20, 40).
These observations indicate that carcinomas in situ with comedo necrosis in which the
cells are characteristic of LCIS are probably variants of LCIS. However, it is not known if
the natural history of such LCIS lesions with comedo necrosis is similar to that of
conventional LCIS without comedo necrosis. In one recent study, 18 cases of LCIS with
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comedo necrosis were studies (12 had associated invasive carcinoma(40). Apart from
necrosis, all other phenotypic features were akin to LCIS (growth pattern, E-cadherin
negative, ER/PR positive, HER2 negative). The association with invasive carcinoma in
2/3 of cases (albeit in a cross-sectional rather than longitudinal outcome study),
suggests possibly a different biology as opposed to conventional LCIS.
In summary, it is important to reiterate that our current understanding of the
biologic behavior of DCIS and LCIS is based on clinical follow-up studies of lesions
classified according to histologic features alone (“classic” DCIS and LCIS). It is unclear
whether these data can be generalized to carcinomas in situ with ambiguous histologic
features classified as DCIS or LCIS by immunohistochemistry alone. We require
prospective outcome studies utilizing morphology in conjunction with markers (such as
E-cadherin) to evaluate risk assessment of these indeterminate lesions, determine
clinical outcome such as local recurrence following surgery, and risk of progression to
invasive carcinoma. In addition, newer molecular techniques (such as microdissection,
comparative genomic hybridization, expression profiling) will broaden our understanding
of these lesions(41). Meantime, the most prudent approach to in situ carcinomas with
indeterminate histologic features would be to use immunostaining (e.g. for E-cadherin)
as an adjunct, and in conjunction with histology, arrive at the most appropriate
diagnosis.
LCIS and core biopsy
How best to manage patients whose CNB contains ALH or LCIS remains a
matter of intense debate. It seems logical to conclude that since classic ALH or LCIS
are multicentric and bilateral and at least in part considered a markers of a generalized
increase in cancer risk which is approximately equal in both breasts (42-49), surgical
excision is not necessary, just as further surgery is not recommended for patients when
ALH or LCIS is diagnosed on an open surgical biopsy. Unfortunately, several of the
studies regarding the findings in subsequent surgical excision specimens from patients
who have had LCIS identified on CNB Have at least some limitations. In addition, data
are extremely limited regarding the outcome of histologically ambiguous in situ
carcinomas and LCIS variants found on CNB, particularly in relation to E-cadherin or
other marker expression. One of the major reasons for the paucity of studies is that
even histologically unambiguous LCIS is relatively uncommon, with the incidence
ranging from 0.5% to 3.9% in surgical series(42, 43, 46, 50) and under 2% in most CNB
series (51-61).
Many studies addressing the appropriate management of ALH and LCIS when
identified on CNB have been limited by one or more of the following: (a) relatively small
patient numbers; (b) retrospective design, raising the possibility of selection bias with
regard to which patients underwent surgical excision. (In other words, studies have
often only included core biopsy cases which had necessitated surgical excision due to
an indication other than LCIS alone, such as radiologic-pathologic discordance (e.g.
pleomorphic calcifications) or co-existence of a high risk lesion (e.g. atypical ductal
hyperplasia), resulting in a relatively high frequency of malignancy on follow-up; (c) lack
7
of adequate radiologic-pathologic correlation; (d) inclusion of histologicall ambiguous
lesions such as PLCIS; and (e) lack of central pathology review (i.e. only review of
pathology reports).
Liberman and coworkers(51) initially conducted a meticulously designed study of
lobular neoplasia on CNB, in which they carefully correlated both the core biopsy
histopathology as well as breast imaging findings with subsequent surgical follow-up.
These authors identified LCIS in 16 of 1315 core biopsy specimens (1.2%), with
subsequent surgical excision being performed in 14 cases. Overall, carcinoma was
identified in 3 of these 14 cases. Among five cases in which the CNB specimens
contained another “high risk” lesion in addition to LCIS (radial scar in 3, atypical ductal
hyperplasia in 2), DCIS was found at excision in one case. Among four cases in which
the LCIS on CNB had ambiguous features which overlapped those of DCIS, carcinoma
was found at excision in two (DCIS in one case and infiltrating lobular carcinoma in one
case). Importantly, of the 5 cases in which there was unambiguous LCIS alone on CNB,
none had carcinoma on excision. Based on these data, the authors recommended that
in patients with a diagnosis of LCIS on CNB, a surgical excision is warranted if another
high risk lesion (such as a radial scar or atypical ductal hyperplasia) is present, if the
LCIS has some histologic features which overlap with those of DCIS, or if there is
discordance between the findings on the imaging studies and the histologic findings
(e.g., a spiculated mass on the imaging studies and only LCIS on the CNB). In a similar
study, Middleton et al (60) found invasive carcinoma at excision in 6 of 17 patients with
LCIS on CNB. All 6 women with carcinoma had image detected mass lesions targeted,
which were unaccounted for on their core biopsies. The remaining 11 patients without
carcinoma on excision had excellent biopsy-radiology correlation. Of note, some of the
LCIS in these 11 patients involved adenosis, ducts in a pagetoid fashion or was
associated with calcifications, without adverse outcome. These results underscore the
importance of good radiologic-pathologic concordance and confirm the validity of the
algorithmic approach set forth by Liberman and co-workers(51).
Several recent studies have tended to advise surgical excision for patients with
lobular neoplasia on CNB, however all have had one or more limitation(61-67). Foster et
al.(62) found carcinoma at excision in 6 of 35 patients (35%), but the study was
retrospective and data were extracted from pathology reports without pathologist
review. In another retrospective study, Arpino et al (63) reported cancer on excision in 3
of 21 patients with lobular neoplasia on CNB. In a recent study (which included review
of the literature), Elsheikh and Silverman (64) reported an 18% incidence of carcinoma
on excision in patients who had a CNB with lobular neoplasia. Some limitations of this
study were issues of radiologic-pathologic concordance (e.g. some carcinomas present
excision were associated with mass lesions; type of calcifications targeted); the analysis
was retrospecitive in 15 of 33 cases (45%); and cases of pleomorphic lobular
carcinoma in situ (PLCIS) were included in the analysis. In another recent study,
Karabakhtsian et al. (68) retrospectively analysed the excision outcome of 92 patients
who had ALH and/or LCIS diagnosed on CNB. All cases with PLCIS or ADH on CNB
were excluded. Overall, 10 cases (11%) had carcinoma at excision (5 invasive, 5 DCIS).
Unfortunately, radiology-pathology correlation was not available in 21% cases.
Nonetheless, of the 21 cases with “neoplastic calcifications” on CNB (assumed to be
calcified ALH or LCIS, but not described or illustrated in the paper), 4 (19%) had
8
carcinoma at excision. Six (8%) of the remaining 71 cases had carcinoma at excision.
Of these 71 cases, 15 were known to have mass lesions targeted by imaging (2 of
which had carcinoma at excision). However, the exact radiology-pathology correlation of
all the remaining 56 cases (4 of which had carcinoma) was not presented. One of the
largest recent studies consisted of a retrospective review of CNBs from 14 insitutions
over a 12 year period (61). ALH/LCIS was found in 278 of 32,420 (0.9%) CNBs. Of the
164 patients with ALH/LCIS who underwent surgical excision, carcinoma was found in
38 (23%). These authors reported no significant difference between percentage of
cases with carcinoma at excision and the type of lobular neoplasia (ALH or LCIS),
biopsy guidance method (stereotactic or ultrasound), completeness of the biopsy or
adequacy of the radiologic-pathologic concordance. Percentages of cases with
carcinoma at excision did differ signficantly amongst features such as the lesion
targeted (calcifications vs mass), BI-RADS score, biopsy method (gun vs. vacuum), or
number cores obtained, but the absolute numbers of cases with carcinoma remained
substantial regardless of parameter. However, in addition to the retrospective nature of
this study, other limitations included lack of pathologist review (only pathology reports
were used) and lack of standardised radiologic-pathologic correlation amongst
insitutions. Nonetheless, the authors strongly recommended surgical excision for all
patients with lobular neoplasia on CNB and reiterated that they “could identify no
subgroup of lobular neoplasia lesions that does not require subsequent surgical
excision.”
Interestingly, even if the biopsy site is excised following a CNB diagnosis of ALH/LCIS,
it may still not be possible to completely avoid missing carcinoma. Renshaw et al. (69)
found 7 carcinomas at excision follow-up of 92 CNBs with ALH or LCIS. Two of these
carcinomas were separate from the core biopsy site and two occurred after a negative
biopsy site excision.
Four recent studies have suggested that excision is not be necessary for
“incidentally detected” ALH/LCIS(70-73). Nagi et al.(70) found carcinoma in 2 of 45
cases excised (one DCIS and one small invasive lobular). Hwang et al.(71) found
cancer in 4 of 74 cases at excsion (3 of which were discordant by imaging). Subhawong
et al. (72) categorized core biopsies into those with ≤ 3 foci of ALH as “minimal”
involvement; excluded ADH and other lesions requiring excision; and correlated all
radiology. All 42 patients with “minimal” ALH on core biopsy had not carcinoma at
excision, and these authors suggested that “incidental ALH” on core biopsy did not
require excision. In the largest prospective study of excision follow-up of patients with
classic ALH/LCIS on core, Luedtke et al evaluated 71 core biopsies (66% for
calcifications, 10% for mass lesions and 24% for MRI abnormalities.)(73). All pathology
was reviewed with excellent radiologic-pathologic correlation. At excision, only 2
cancers (3% of cases) were found and both were minute low grade tumors (2.3mm
tubular carcinoma and 2mm DCIS.)
Data is particularly limited regarding the use of immunostains (e.g. E-cadherin) to
assist in the management of ambiguous lesions on core biopsy. The the only study to
date to address E-cadherin expression of in situ lesions on core biopsy with excision
follow-up was retrospective review of 3401 consecutive CNB cases where 12 cases
with ALH, 13 with LCIS and 5 with in situ carcinoma with both ductal and lobular
features were found (56). No invasive carcinoma or DCIS was found among the 7 ALH
9
cases or among the 7 LCIS cases which were surgically excised. Of note, all five cases
with in situ carcinoma with ductal and lobular features were negative for e-cadherin
suggesting a lobular phenotype (16). However, on excision 3 of these cases (60%) were
found to have invasive carcinoma(56). Therefore, this observation suggests that
excision is warranted in cases of in situ carcinoma with ambiguous histologic features
(e.g. PLCIS), even if the cells are E-cadherin negative by immunohistochemistry. Some
investigators have utilized immunostaning for other markers such as high molecular
weight cytokeratin (21) and catenins (in particular p120 catenin)(32, 33) in an attempt to
categorize carcinomas in situ with ambiguous histologic features. However, to date
there are no data regarding use of these markers in the management of ambiguous in
situ lesions on CNB.
In an ideal world, an approach similar to that initially proposed by Liberman and
co-workers might be feasible (51): i.e. when LCIS or ALH is identified on CNB, the
patient should undergo a surgical excision: (a) if there is radiologic-pathologic
discordance, suggesting that the targeted lesion was not represented in the CNB
specimen (e.g., if the imaging studies show suspicious microcalcifications, a spiculated
mass, or other soft tissue density); (b) if another lesion which by itself would be an
indication for surgical excision is also present on the core biopsy (such as ADH); or (c) if
the LCIS or ALH has ambiguous histologic features which create problems in
distinguishing the lesion from DCIS (e.g. PLCIS, LCIS with comedo-type necrosis, etc.,
even if e-cadherin negative). In contrast, if histologically unambiguous LCIS or ALH in a
CNB is a completely incidental finding, with good radiologic-pathologic correlation of the
targeted lesion, surgical excision may not be necessary. Unfortunately, the
management of patients with ALH or LCIS on CNB remains quite controversial,
particularly in light of recent studies raising concern of an increased incidence of
carcinoma at excision. In a recent mutidisciplinary consensus conference(74), the
expert panel stated the following: “The need to advise excision for patients with lobular
neoplasia (ALH and lobular carcinoma in situ) incidentally diagnosed on percutaneous
core needle biopsy generated substantial debate. Data from different studies on the risk
of histologic upgrading are conflicting. The Panel did not reach consensus on this issue.
Some believed that it is reasonable but not mandatory to perform excision after a core
needle finding of lobular neoplasia. The majority believed that excision was required
and that all centers should track and monitor their “upgrade” rate. But as stated earlier,
some institutions use algorithms that may yield sufficiently low upgrade ratees to avoid
excision of these lesions, particularly when incidental to radiologic findings. “
In the absence of sufficient data, the clinical decision is whether to over-treat or to
under-treat patients. Issues are further compounded by medicolegal concerns. It
therefore appears to be prudent at this time to advise excision of all patients who have a
diagnosis of ALH or LCIS on CNB. Clearly, additional, prospective clinical outcome
studies are required, with larger numbers of patients while also encompassing newer
biologic markers (e.g. e-cadherin) to further define the management of in situ lobular
lesions on core needle biopsy.
10
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Lobular Carcinoma in Situ:
Past, Present and Future
Timothy W. Jacobs, M.D.
Department of Pathology
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Seattle, WA
LCIS
•
•
•
•
Historical perspective
Cancer risk
Morphology and “variants”
Core biopsy
Historical Perspective
• Ewing 1919: “Neoplastic Diseases –
A Textbook of Tumors”
• Broders 1932: “Carcinoma in Situ
Contrasted with Benign Penetrating
Epithelium”
• Foote and Stewart 1941: “Lobular
Carcinoma in Situ – A Rare from of
Mammary Cancer”
Foote and Stewart 1941
•
•
•
•
LCIS Classic Description
No clinical or gross features
Multicentric
No necrosis
Classic morphologic description
– Uniform, loss of polarity
– Mitoses very rare
– May show “pagetoid” growth
• Similar in morphology to associated
invasive lobular carcinoma
ALH/LCIS and Cancer
Risk Factor or Precursor?
LCIS and Risk of Cancer
Study
N
F/U yrs
% CA
RR
Andersen (1974)
Ottesen (1993)
Salvadori (1991)
Rosen (1978)
Page (1991)
Haagensen (1978)
Bodian (1996)
47
69
80
99
44
287
236
15
5
5
24
18
16.3
18
26.4
11.6
6.3
34.5
23
18
26
12.0
11.0
10.3
9.0
9.0
6.9*
5.4*
ALH: RR = 4-5.5 (~ half of LCIS) (Nashville, NHS)
* Lobular Neoplasia
LCIS and Laterality of Cancer
Study
N
F/U yrs
Ipsilat
Contra
Andersen (1974)
Ottesen (1993)
Salvadori (1991)
Rosen (1978)
Page (1991)
Haagensen (1978)
Wheeler (1974)
47
69
80
99
44
287
32
15
5
5
24
18
16.3
17.5
20%
11.6%
6.3%
22.9%
11.0%
10.5%
4.0%
9.1%
0
0
22.9%
9.1%
10.5%
9.7%
Evidence for
Generalized Risk Factor
~50% cancers contralateral
More invasive ductal (up to
75%)
LCIS often multifocal (50%),
bilateral (30%)
Evidence for
Non-Obligate Precursor?
Epidemiology/outcome
Observational
Evidence for
Non-Obligate Precursor?
Epidemiology/outcome
• Inv lobular more prevalent:
~45% (5-14% expected)
• Ipsilateral in ~ 2/3
(Marshall 1997, Ottesen 2000, Page 2003)
Atypical lobular hyperplasia as a unilateral predictor
of breast cancer risk: a retrospective cohort study
Page, Schuyler, Dupont, Jensen, Plummer, Simpson
Lancet 2003;361:125-29
4% 4%
24%
Evidence for
Non-Obligate Precursor?
Epidemiology/outcome
Observational
•
•
•
•
Proximity
Morphologic similarity
Immunohistochemistry
Genetic
Evidence for
Non-Obligate Precursor?
Epidemiology/outcome
Observational
• Proximity
–CCC, FEA, ADH, LG DCIS
–Invasive lobular CA
–Tubular CA
Page 1996; Goldstein & O’Malley 1997; Fraser 1998; Rosen 1999; Moinfar
2000; Oyama 2000; Brogi 2001; Collins 2007; de Mascarel 2007; AbdelFatah 2007; Brandt 2008
Atypical Cystic Lobules in Patients with
Lobular Neoplasia
Brogi, Oyama, Koerner
Int J Surg Pathol 2001;9:201-6
• 54 patients with lobular neoplasia:
• FEA (“ACL”) in
–18/30 (60%) with LCIS
–11/24 (46%) with ALH
FEA with Adjacent ALH
TDLU with CCL and ALH
The “Rosen Triad”: Tubular Carcinoma,
Lobular Carcinoma in Situ, and Columnar
Cell Lesions
Brandt, Young, Hoda
Adv Anat Pathol 2008;15:140-146
• 86 cases of Tub CA
• 100% had CCL
• 53% had LCIS
• Rosen 1999 AJSP 23:1561
Evidence for
Non-Obligate Precursor?
Epidemiology/outcome
Observational
•
•
•
•
Proximity
Morphologic similarity
Immunohistochemistry
Genetic
Evidence for
Non-Obligate Precursor?
Epidemiology/outcome
Observational
•
•
•
•
Proximity
Morphologic similarity
Immunohistochemistry
Genetic
Clonality of Lobular Carcinoma in Situ and
Synchronous Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
Hwang et al.
Cancer 2004;100:2562-72
• 24 synchronous LCIS and ILC
• Microdissection, array-based CGH
• Substantial genomic alteration in
both LCIS and ILC
• 14 LCIS related more to paired ILC
than any other ILC
Proposed Evolutionary Pathway of ILC through
Columnar Cell Lesions Based on Histol and
Genetics
Abdel-Fatah Am J Surg Pathol 2007;31:417
• CCC  CCH  CCH with atypia
 LN  ILC
• Morphology
• Genetic, -16q
• Low grade breast neoplasia
family (Ellis 2010 Mod Pathol 23 Suppl 2: S1-7)
Predictors of Subsequent CA
• Clinical
– e.g. FH (Columbia)
• Growth/Spaces
– distension (NSABP)
– > 10 involved (Ottesen)
– LIN3 vs LIN 1,2 (AFIP
• Cytology
– Nuclear size (Ottesen
– Mixed A and B (NSABP
• IHC
– E-cad pos (Goldstein)
To date, no
reliable,
reproducible
Features
ALH/LCIS
Risk Factor or Precursor?
Yes!
Both (or intermediate)
Can’t tell which at present
Classic LCIS
Recommendations
Until we can distinguish risk
vs. precursor lesions:
Clin follow-up ± tamoxifen
Margins not important
No radiation
Classic LCIS
Morphologic
Considerations
LCIS
ALH vs. LCIS
• Cells morphologically identical
• Degree of involvement of TDLU
(e.g. >50% of space distended - Page and Anderson)
ALH
LCIS
LCIS vs. ALH Distinction
• Unclear for “non-TDLU”
situations
• Sclerosing adenosis, radial
scar, fibroadenoma, etc.
Sclerosing Adenosis with: ALH or LCIS?
Sclerosing Adenosis with: ALH or LCIS?
Radial Scar with: ALH or LCIS?
Radial Scar with: ALH or LCIS?
LCIS
• Other terminology
–Lobular Neoplasia
–LIN 1, 2, 3 (Tavassoli/AFIP)
• Morphologic heterogeneity
within classic LCIS
–Type A, B
–Signet rings, clear cell, etc.
LCIS
Type “A” Cells
Type “B” Cells
Signet Ring
Apocrine
Classic LCIS
What to do?
• If possible, distinguish between
ALH and LCIS
• If not feasible (e.g. sclerosing
adenosis, tiny biopsy) don’t
perseverate over terminology
• Rather diagnose ALH/LCIS or
Lobular Neoplasia but:
• Don’t miss the lesion if subtle
• Don’t confuse with mimickers…
LCIS/ALH
Differential Diagnosis
•
•
•
•
Invasive carcinoma
Myoepithelial cells
Clear cell change
Fixation artifact with
“pseudodyshesion”
• DCIS
ALH Tangential
Invasive Lobular CA
ALH Tangential
Invasive Lobular CA
Myoepithelial Cells Mimicking ALH
ALH
Fixation Artifact – “Pseudodyshesion”
DCIS vs. LCIS
• Most mammary CIS are easily
categorized as LCIS or DCIS
• However, occasionally there
is overlap between these two
lesions…
DCIS in a Lobule
LCIS in a Duct
LCIS & DCIS
Co-existing
DCIS or LCIS?
DCIS vs. LCIS
Therapeutic Implications
• DCIS treated by eradication
• LCIS treated by observation
(+Tamoxifen)
• Margins important for DCIS, not
LCIS
DCIS vs. LCIS
The Ideal World
Traditionally based on
classic histologic features
(H&E)
LCIS
Solid LG DCIS
LCIS
Solid LG DCIS
DCIS vs. LCIS
The Real World
Distinction in some cases
may be impossible on
morphology alone
In Situ Carcinomas with
Indeterminate Histologic Features
• Cytologic and/or architectural
features deviate from usual
patterns of LCIS or DCIS
• How to categorize?
• Role of IHC (for E-cadherin,
HMW-CK, catenins)?
• How best to manage?
Classic LCIS
Basic Requirements
1. Uniform small/medium sized cells
2. Cellular dyshesion
No architectural pattern
3. Lack of significant necrosis
(comedo-type)
In Situ Carcinomas with
Indeterminate Histologic Features:
Differences from Classic LCIS
1. Uniform small/medium sized cells
2. Cellular dyshesion
No architectural pattern
3. Lack of significant necrosis
(comedo-type)
In Situ Carcinomas with
Indeterminate Histologic Features:
Differences from Classic LCIS
1. Pleomorphic cells (“PLCIS")
2. Cellular dyshesion
No architectural pattern
3. Lack of significant necrosis
(comedo-type)
PLCIS
LCIS
PLCIS
In Situ Carcinomas with
Indeterminate Histologic Features:
Differences from Classic LCIS
1. Uniform small/medium sized cells
2. Cellular dyshesion
No architectural pattern
3. Lack of significant necrosis
(comedo-type)
In Situ Carcinomas with
Indeterminate Histologic Features:
Differences from Classic LCIS
1. Uniform small/medium sized cells
2. Cellular cohesion (“mosaic”)
Architectural pattern (microacini)
3. Lack of significant necrosis
(comedo-type)
With Variable Architecture
In Situ Carcinomas with
Indeterminate Histologic Features:
Differences from Classic LCIS
1. Uniform small/medium sized cells
2. Cellular dyshesion
No architectural pattern
3. Lack of significant necrosis
(comedo-type)
In Situ Carcinomas with
Indeterminate Histologic Features:
Differences from Classic LCIS
1. Uniform small/medium sized cells
2. Cellular dyshesion
No architectural pattern
3. Presence of significant necrosis
(comedo-type)
With Comedo Necrosis
Indeterminate CIS
Is there a role for IHC?
• E-cadherin
• High MW CK
• Catenins
E-cadherin
• Cadherins: family of transmembrane
adhesion receptor molecules
• E-cadherin expression lost in most
invasive lobular carcinomas and
LCIS but not in invasive ductal
carcinoma or DCIS
– LOH at 16q22
– Gene mutations
– Gene silencing (e.g. promoter
methylation)
E-cadherin Immunostaining
Invasive
Lobular
Negative
Invasive
Ductal
Positive
E-cadherin Immunostaining
LCIS negative, DCIS positive
Pleomorphic (PLCIS)
E-cadherin Negative
With Comedo Necrosis
E-cadherin Negative
With Architecture
E-cadherin Negative
With Architecture
E-cadherin Negative
With Architecture
E-cadherin Positive
With Architecture
E-cadherin Mixed
Mixed Lesions
? Diagnosis
E-cadherin
LCIS in Collagenous Spherulosis
E-cadherin Limitations
• Loss of E-cad is a characteristic
of LCIS, but…
• E-cad staining does not preclude
LCIS if histology appropriate:
–Residual normal ducts
–Myoepithelial cells
–LCIS per se
Pictures
• Variable staining of LCIS
• Myoepithelial cells, normal (? Use
Coll Sph)
• Etc.
Aberrant Expression of E-cadherin in
Lobular Carcinomas of the Breast
Da Silva et al. Am J Surg Pathol 2008;32:773
• 4 of 25 invasive lobular carcinomas
had some positive E-cad staining
• All 4 had genomic features of ILC
– 16q loss, 1q gain, 11q loss
• E-cadherin positivity does not
exclude a diagnosis of otherwise
classic ILC!
• Implications for in situ lesions
Clinical and Biological Significance of Ecadherin Protein Expression in Invasive
Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast
Rakha et al. Am J Surg Pathol 2010;34:1472
• 38 of 239 (16%) histologically defined
ILC were E-cad positive by IHC
• No association between E-cad positivity
and clinical/prognostic variables in ILC
• E-cad~Catenin integrity impaired
• Breast cancers with classic ILC
histology should not be interpreted as
ductal based on E-cad expression
Indeterminate CIS
Is there a role for IHC?
• E-cadherin
• High MW CK
• Catenins
Combined E-Cadherin and High Molecular
Weight Cytokeratin Immunoprofile
Differentiates Lobular, Ductal, and Hybrid
Mammary Intraepithelial Neoplasias
Bratthauer et al. Hum Pathol 2002;33:620
• Antibody 34ßE12 (CK 1, 5, 10, 14)
• DCIS: HMW-CK neg, E-cad pos
• LCIS: HMW-CK pos, E-cad neg
34ßE12 and Carcinoma In Situ
Bratthauer et al. Hum Pathol 2002;33:620
Issues
• How to interpret “hybrid” cases?
– Both E-cadherin and HMW-CK pos or neg
• Which specificity of 34ßE12 is
relevant (CK 1, 5, 10 and/or 14)?
• IHC methodology issues
• What’s the biologic basis?
Indeterminate CIS
Is there a role for IHC?
• E-cadherin
• High MW CK
• Catenins
E-Cadherin-Catenin Adhesion Complex
β-Catenin
E-cadherin
F-actin,
α-actinin
etc, etc
α-Catenin
p120 Catenin
Cytoplasm
Extracellular
Adapted from: Dabbs, Bhargava & Chivukula. Am J Surg Pathol 2007;31:427
Altered E-cadherin-Catenin
Adhesion Complex in Lobular
• E-cadherin expression lost
• α-, β-, γ-catenin expression lost
• p120-Catenin dissociates from
complex  cytoplasmic
De Leeuw et al. J Pathol 1997;183:404
Sarrio et al. Oncogene 2004;23:3272
Mastracci et al. Mod Pathol 2005;18:741
Dabbs et al. Am J Surg Pathol 2007;31:427
E-cadherin-Catenin Complex
E-cadherin
α-, β-, γcatenin
p120
catenin
DCIS
Membrane
Positive
Membrane
Positive
Membrane
Positive
LCIS
Negative
Negative
Cytoplasm
Positive
LCIS Pagetoid in Duct
E-Cadherin
P120 Catenin
Current understanding of biologic behavior of
DCIS and LCIS is based on follow-up studies of
lesions classified according to histologic
features alone (“classic” DCIS and LCIS)
Unclear whether these data can be generalized
to CIS with ambiguous histologic features
classified as DCIS or LCIS by IHC alone
Histologically Ambiguous
Carcinoma in Situ
What data is available
to guide management?
“LCIS with Comedo Necrosis”
Lobular Intraepithelial Neoplasia [Lobular
Carcinoma In Situ] With Comedo-type
Necrosis
Fadare et al. Am J Surg Pathol 2006;30:1445
• 18 cases
• 12 with invasive carcinoma
• Apart from necrosis, akin to LCIS:
– Growth pattern
– E-cadherin neg
– ER/PR pos, HER2 neg
• Management, terminology issues?
– CNB or at margins  excise
Excise if at margin
Excise if at margin
But what if only the
“LCIS” without
necrosis is at the
margin?
PLCIS
PLCIS
• First description:
• Frost, Tsangaris, Silverberg.
Pathology Case Reviews 1996
PLCIS: Morphologic Criteria
LCIS growth pattern
and
• Moderate to
marked nuclear
pleomorphism
• At least some
nuclei ≥ 4x
lymphocyte
Sneige 2002 and
Chen 2009
• At least 2x
nuclear size
variation
• Nuclear diameter
> 2x lymphocyte
Ho, Lee & Ellis 2010
Clinical, Histopathologic, and Biologic Features of
Pleomorphic Lobular (Ductal-Lobular) Carcinoma in
Situ of the Breast: A Report of 24 Cases
Sneige et al. Mod Pathol 2002;15:1044
PLCIS
Morphology
LCIS
Pleomorphic* Monomorphic
E-cadherin neg
100%
100%
p53 staining
30%
5%
Ki67 staining
10%
2%
* Nucleus > 4x lymphocyte (vs. LCIS A = 1.5x, B = 2x)
Clinical, Histopathologic, and Biologic Features of
Pleomorphic Lobular (Ductal-Lobular) Carcinoma in
Situ of the Breast: A Report of 24 Cases
Sneige et al. Mod Pathol 2002;15:1044
PLCIS
Isolated
With Invasion
Pleomorphic
Pleomorphic
E-cadherin neg
100%
100%
p53 staining
30%
29%
Mod-high prolif
44%
50%
Morphology
Pleomorphic lobular carcinoma of the
breast: role of comprehensive molecular
pathology in characterization of an entity
Reis-Filho et al. J Pathol 2005;207:1
• Single case PLCIS + invasion
• Features akin to LCIS:
–E-cadherin & β-catenin neg
–Loss of 16q, gain of 1q
• Aggressive features:
–Amplification of c-myc & HER2
Chen et al. AJSP 2009;33:1683
PLCIS Characteristics (n=31)
• Mammographic detection
• Features similar to LCIS:
– 100% E-cadherin negative by IHC
– Loss of 16q, gain of 1q by aCGH
• Features different from classic LCIS*:
– HER2 positive
– High proliferation by Ki67 IHC
– ER/PR negative by IHC
– Genomic instability
(*Apocrine PLCIS differed more)
• Suggestive of more “aggressive”
“Apocrine” PLCIS
PLCIS
Summary of what we know
Classic
LCIS
Pleomorphic LCIS
Premenopausal
Postmenopausal
Incidental
Mammographic
Uniform
Pleomorphic
ER
Pos
Pos/Neg
HER2
Neg
Pos/Neg
Prolif/ Ki67
Low
High
Fewer
More
Age
Clinical
Cytology
Genomic
How to best manage
“variant” in situ lesions
e.g. PLCIS?
1. Use histologic features?
2. Use immunostaining to
definitively categorize?
3. Should one over-treat or
under-treat?
E-Cadherin
E-Cadherin
PLCIS Management?
LCIS features
• Lobular features
(dyshesive etc)
• E-Cadherin neg
• 16q loss, 1q gain
LCIS Management
• Risk Factor
• Observation ± Tam
• No margins
DCIS features
• Pleomorphic,
mitoses, ±necrosis
• Bad markers
• Genomic alterations
?
DCIS Management
• Precursor Lesion
• Eradicate
• Margins
Manage as for DCIS
• Excision to negative
margins?
• Radiation therapy?
• Mastectomy?
• Over- or undertreat?
What to do?
• Current understanding based on
clinical outcome of classic LCIS
and DCIS classified by histology
• In the absence of data 
conservative approach is prudent
• Categorize as PLCIS, with a note,
discuss at MDTB
• Until outcome data available,
management remains unknown
LCIS on Core Biopsy
What should we do?
ALH/LCIS on CNB
To excise or not to excise?
• Excision recommended if:
– Radiology-pathology discordant targeted lesion not represented,
mass, architectural distortion
– Another lesion for which excision
indicated (e.g. ADH)
– Histologic features overlapping with
DCIS (even if E-cadherin negative)
• Excision not necessary?
– If LCIS/ALH is completely “incidental”
CNB for Microcalcifications
CNB for Microcalcifications
Calcs in Ducts
CNB for Microcalcifications
Calcs in Ducts
ALH, ?“Incidental”
“Incidental” ALH/LCIS on CNB
Issues
• Clinical and imaging context?
• Marker of risk and/or
precursor lesion?
• Sampling issues…
• CNB is a sampling
process
• Therefore,
pathologic findings • Is ALH/
in the CNB may not
LCIS a
accurately represent sampling
the radiologically
issue per
detected target
se?
lesion
Marker of Risk vs. Sampling Issue
Risk Marker
Sampling
Target Site
Worse lesion Anywhere
(i.e. Cancer) Either breast Same breast
Time frame
Future
Current
ADH
Yes
Yes
ALH/LCIS
Yes
?
Risk Terminology Issues
• Radiology: “high risk lesion”
on CNB usually = requiring
excision due to “risk” of
worse lesion (i.e. cancer)
• = sampling issue
• (not a marker of cancer risk)
ALH/LCIS on CNB
Studies often limited by:
• Retrospective nature 
selection bias; no controls
• Suboptimal radiologicpathologic correlation
• Classic LCIS often lumped
with PLCIS or other variants
ALH/LCIS on CNB
Recent reports – Excise all?
Yes
Foster 2004
Arpino 2004
Elsheikh 2005
Mahoney 2006
Karabakhtsian 2007
Cangierella 2008
Brem 2008
No
Renshaw 2006
Nagi 2008
Hwang 2008
Subhawong 2010
Luedtke 2011
ALH/LCIS on CNB
Recent reports – Excise all?
Yes
Foster 2004
Arpino 2004
Elsheikh 2005
Mahoney 2006
Karabakhtsian 2007
Cangierella 2008
Brem 2008
# excised  % CA
35
21
33
20
92
38
164
17%
14%
27%
25%
11%
8%
23%
ALH/LCIS on CNB
Recent reports – Excise all?
Yes
Foster 2004
Arpino 2004
Elsheikh 2005
Mahoney 2006
Karabakhtsian 2007
Cangierella 2008
Brem 2008
Retrosp
Path Rev
All
All
45%
All
All
All
All
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
ALH/LCIS on CNB
Recent reports – Excise all?
Yes
Retrosp
Path Rev
Foster 2004
No
4 mass All
lesions
Included
Arpino 2004
AllPLCIS, ADH
Yes
Elsheikh 2005 Radiology
45%in 70% Yes
65%)
Mahoney 2006 (mammo in
All
Yes
14 institutions,
12 yrs
Karabakhtsian 2007
All
Yes
No path, rad-path varied
Cangierella 2008
All
Yes
CA at excision regardless:
Brem 2008
All imaging, complete
No
device, # cores,
removal, rad-path concordance
ALH/LCIS on CNB
Recent Reports – Not Excise All?
Path review; excluded PLCIS, ADH, etc.; radiology
Study
Excised
CA
Renshaw
92 (43%)
7
(3 at bx site)
45 (46%)
2
(DCIS, tiny ILC)
74 (41%)
4
(3 discordant)
56 (100%)
0
71 (100%)
2
(2006)
Naji
(2008)
Hwang
(2008)
Subhawong
(2010)
Luedtke
(2011)
(2 minute LG CA)
Incidental Minimal Atypical Lobular Hyperplasia on
Core Needle Biopsy
Correlation With Findings on Follow-up Excision
Subhawong et al. Am J Surg Pathol 2010;34:822
•
•
•
•
•
“Minimal” ALH < 3 foci on CNB
Excluded ADH, etc
All radiology correlated
All 42 with < 3 foci ALH  no CA
Incidental ALH  not excise
Outcomes of Prospective Excision for Classic
LCIS & ALH on Percutaneous Breast Core Biopsy
MSKCC (Luedtke et al.) USCAP 2011 (Abstr. 209)
• 71 CNB with ALH/LCIS only, all
prospectively excised
• 66% calcs, 10% mass, 24% MRI
• All path reviewed, good rad-path
correlation
• 2 cancers (3%) – minute low grade
(2.3mm tubular CA, 2mm DCIS)
ALH/LCIS on CNB
Additional Considerations
• What is the indication/context
• What % upgrade is acceptable?
• LCIS really more heterogeneous
(clinical, imaging, pathology/
morphology, genetics)?
• Which lesions are markers of risk
and which are precursors?
• We can’t reliably tell these apart
ALH/LCIS on CNB: What to do?
• Controversial; medico-legal issues
• Need prospective, multiinstitutional
trials with all patients undergoing
excision; but unlikely…
• In absence of sufficient data, does
one over- or under-treat?
Excision probably prudent at this time