Lobular carcinoma in situ. A long-term follow-up in 52 cases.

During a retrospective histological study based on examination of 3299 female breast tissue specimens with otherwise benign diseases, 52 cases of lobular carcinoma in situ were found. Five cases presented previous invasive breast carcinoma, and one of these developed subsequently invasive carcinoma during the first year after the biopsy. Out of 47 cases without previous invasive breast carcinoma, 10 developed subsequently 12 invasive carcinomas. Eight were ipsilateral and were revealed within the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 14th, 18th, and 22nd year, respectively. Four were contralateral and were found within the 7th, 8th, 12th, and 24th year after the primary biopsy. The average follow-up period was 15 years. Strict follow-up of patients with lobular carcinoma in situ, carried out by a permanent team, is considered a realistic alternative to mastectomy.