Diagnostic Challenge of Invasive Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast: What Is the News? Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Emerging Role of Contrast-Enhanced Spectral Mammography

Invasive lobular carcinoma is the second most common histologic form of breast cancer, representing 5% to 15% of all invasive breast cancers. Due to an insidious proliferative pattern, invasive lobular carcinoma remains clinically and radiologically elusive in many cases. Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MR) is considered the most accurate imaging modality in detecting and staging invasive lobular carcinoma and it is strongly recommended in pre-operative planning for all ILC. Contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) is a new diagnostic method that enables the accurate detection of malignant breast lesions similar to that of breast MR. CESM is also a promising breast imaging method for planning surgeries. In this study, we compare the ability of contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) with breast MR in the preoperative assessment of the extent of invasive lobular carcinoma. All patients with proven invasive lobular carcinoma treated in our breast cancer center underwent preoperative breast MRI and CESM. Images were reviewed by two dedicated breast radiologists and results were compared to the reference standard histopathology. CESM was similar and in some cases more accurate than breast MR in assessing the extent of disease in invasive lobular cancers. Further evaluation in larger prospective randomized trials is needed to validate our preliminary results.

Automated summary

Invasive lobular carcinoma is the second most common histologic form of breast cancer, with an insidious proliferative pattern making it difficult to diagnose clinically and radiologically. Breast MR is considered the most accurate imaging modality for detecting and staging invasive lobular carcinoma, while CESM is a promising new diagnostic method that can accurately detect malignant breast lesions similar to breast MR and has potential for preoperative surgical planning.