Lobular breast cancer is a lesser-known, yet common form of breast cancer. About 15 out of 100 breast cancer patients are diagnosed with ILC. It differs in several ways from the more familiar type, ductal breast cancer (IDC or NST).

In ILC, the cancer cells lack a protein that normally keeps cells tightly connected. Without this protein, the cells grow loosely, often in lines or strands. This unique growth pattern allows the tumor to spread differently through the breast tissue, making it difficult to feel or detect.

Many people associate breast cancer with a noticeable lump. However, with ILC, this is often not the case. Instead, the tumor may spread like a web-like or thread-like structure through the breast tissue.

As a result, even larger tumors can remain undetectable by touch. In some cases, there are no symptoms, but you might notice:

• A firmer area in the breast
• Dimpling or indentations in the skin
• Changes in the nipple or breast appearance
• Pain, sharp stabs, or a pulling sensation

ILC is challenging to identify, even with medical imaging like mammograms or ultrasounds. The tumor blends into normal breast tissue, especially in women with dense breast tissue. An MRI scan is often more effective.

Unfortunately, ILC is frequently diagnosed at a later stage, when the tumor is large or has already spread. Nonetheless, participating in routine breast cancer screening remains important, as it can detect other types of breast cancer or suspicious areas.

Many people think ILC only starts in the milk-producing lobules, but it can also develop in the ducts that carry milk. In short, lobular breast cancer can begin in various parts of the breast.

ILC is also slightly more likely to occur in both breasts compared to other types.

Lobular breast cancer is the second most common type of breast cancer. In Europe, approximately 86,500 women were diagnosed with ILC in 2022. It is more common than kidney cancer, thyroid cancer, or ovarian cancer.

One of the key differences with ILC is that it can recur much later than other types — sometimes 10 to 20 years after the initial diagnosis and treatment.

Even after a mastectomy, cancer can return or appear elsewhere in the body.

ILC can spread to well-known sites like:

• Bones
• Lungs
• Liver
• Brain

But it may also metastasize to less typical locations, such as:

• Stomach or intestines
• Ovaries or uterus
• Peritoneum (abdominal lining)
• Skin
• Areas around the eyes or brain lining (meninges)

Because ILC behaves differently from other types of breast cancer, it is crucial that women understand what it is — especially after receiving a diagnosis.

Lob the Ball, founded by Astrid, aims to empower women to better understand their condition. Only then can they work with their doctors to make informed decisions about their treatment.