Infiltrating lobular carcinoma of the breast treated with segmental and modified radical mastectomy

Conservative treatment of infiltrating lobular carcinoma (ILC) has previously been examined only in terms of general breast carcinoma studies. However, this lesion has been shown to differ from the more common infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) in estrogen receptor (ER) status, metastatic patterns, and bilaterality. Therefore, it is necessary for the physician to consider these distinctions when planning both pre- and post-operative treatment. To determine the effectiveness of both segmental and modified radical mastectomies, the medical records of 26 patients with ILC were reviewed, and follow-up information was obtained. In addition to surgical treatment, hormonal manipulation and/or radiotherapy were used when appropriate. We found the results of a conservative approach in the treatment of this disease to be comparable to the more radical procedures with respect to overall survival and disease-free intervals. The single factor that most affected a patient's prognosis was involvement of the axillary nodes.