Prognostic factors in infiltrating lobular carcinoma

Various prognostic factors viz. clinical details, histologic features including subtypes, elastosis, desmoplasia, in situ carcinoma, perineural and vascular invasion, Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI), and menopausal status were evaluated in Infiltrating Lobular carcinoma (ILC) in the context of patient survival. 138 patients had presented with ILC over a period of 20 years. Histological subtypes of ILC and vascular invasion played a role in the biologic behaviour of the tumour. Interestingly premenopausal status protected against the risk for relapse, while being postmenopausal, increased the risk. NPI was demonstrated as an independent significant prognostic factor and was a good predictor for relapse. This study underlines the role of the pathologist in determination of the prognostic groups in Infiltrating lobular carcinoma.