A Sneaky and Creepy Type of Breast Cancer

When you're newly diagnosed with breast cancer, you're thrown into a new world with a new language. The learning curve at the beginning is steep. There is so much to learn.

One of the first things I learned about breast cancer is that there are so many different "types" of breast cancer. Who knew? Unless you've been diagnosed with IDC, TNBC, MBC, ER+, HER2+, etc., you probably don't know about it.

I was fascinated by this blog about lobular breast cancer. I've known a few women who had that diagnosis, but I had never really learned how lobular was different from other breast cancers. Often called ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma), it's only found in about 10 percent of invasive breast cancer cases ... relatively rare.

Author of the blog, Diane Mapes, sure explains why ILC is "creepy."

"Cells grow in single file, like tree branches or spider webs. Lobular grows in sheaths, almost. Instead of a lump, you’ll feel a thickening in your breast tissue or see a small 'tuck' as the skin is tugged from the inside." 

"When it becomes metastatic (i.e., stage 4), it will show up in the bones and liver just like other breast cancers. But research shows lobular more frequently metastasizes to unusual spots: the ovaries, GI tract, lining of the abdomen, stomach, even the ocular area. That’s right, breast cancer in your frigging eye. What a creep, right?" 

Sheesh. Definitely creepy.

Many thanks to Diane for raising awareness of ILC and calling for better study and funding!  We're with you, girl!

Written with love by Jan James, Hope After Breast Cancer

Find out more about our private Facebook support groups (Booby Buddies, Hope After Breast Cancer, Sex After Breast Cancer, Booby Buddies en español) here.

Joining our Newsletter List will give you a monthly recap of our best content, as well as information about available workshops.

Are you satisfied with just surviving—or do you want to THRIVE again? Check out Thriver Nation!