Mastectomy for Lobular Carcinoma, Fibrocystic Disease and Radiation Therapy ?

[sneznik]

I am 57 year old, I never took any hormone replacement therapy nor birth control pills,for 20 years I have Fibrocystic Breast Disease and I am im all ready 5 year in menopause and still have pain, burning, tenderness and lumps, I had to surgeries to remove large hard lumps from both breasts, this year they found Lobular Carcinoma in Situ of my right breast and I had partial mastectomy, I read that Radiation Therapy is not recomended for Fibrocystic Breast Disease.



Thank you for your answer.



Sincerely, Sneznik.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Sneznik, Fibrocystic breast disease is described as common, benign(non-cancerous) changes involving the tissues of the breast. The term "disease" in this case is misleading, and many providers prefer the term "change." Radiation therapy would not be recommended as a treatment for this benign condition.  



Lobular carcinoma in-situ is a risk factor for breast cancer, and tamoxifen can be considered to reduce the risk of breast

cancer in women with lobular carcinoma in-situ.  You should discuss your treatment and follow-up options with your doctors.

[deevee]

You are correct that radiation therapy is not done for LCIS or fibrocystic disease.  If you are asking about treatment, LCIS is not considered to be cancer and the normal follow-up is observation (yearly mammograms and clinical breast exams).  Depending on a high risk woman's unique factors (including degree of risk vs. side effects/benefits), some choose hormone therapy (tamoxifen) or a bilateral mastectomy to lower their risk. If you are concerned, you might want to ask  your doctor what your degree of risk is and what follow-up or preventive measures are recommended.