Risk counseling and management in patients with lobular carcinoma in situ.
BACKGROUND
The understanding of lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) has evolved since it was first described. LCIS once was thought to be a premalignant condition, but now it is considered a marker for increased risk for developing invasive breast cancer. We evaluated patient perception of risk, counseling, and subsequent management.


METHODS
A community cancer registry of 3,605 cases of breast cancer was reviewed. Fifty-five (1.5%) patients with LCIS as their sole diagnosis were identified and these patients were sent a questionnaire.


RESULTS
Forty of 55 patients completed the questionnaire for a 73% response rate. The patients' perception of lifetime risk for invasive cancer was variable. Surgeons performed the majority of counseling. Fourteen patients (35%) were placed on a selective estrogen-receptor modulator. Eleven patients (28%) had bilateral mastectomy. Three patients had unilateral mastectomy. Screening recommendations included an annual mammography (64%), a professional examination (64%), and a monthly self-breast examination (75%).


CONCLUSIONS
A patient's perception of risk for invasive breast cancer after a diagnosis of LCIS is widely variable. Patients will adhere to suggested screening recommendations. Surgeons are performing the majority of counseling and must stay abreast on current recommendations.
Garreau
Jennifer R
JR
Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA. garreauj@ohsu.edu
Nelson
Joanne
J
Look
Regan
R
Walts
Deb
D
Mahin
Diana
D
Homer
Louis
L
Johnson
Nathalie
N
D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D018275:Carcinoma, Lobular / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012042:Registries; D018570:Risk Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires