Diagnosis

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) may be present in one or both breasts, but it usually isn't visible on a mammogram. The condition is most often diagnosed as an incidental finding when you have a biopsy done to evaluate some other area of concern in your breast.

Types of breast biopsy that may be used include:

• Core needle biopsy. A radiologist or surgeon uses a thin, hollow needle to remove several tiny tissue samples. Imaging techniques, such as ultrasound or MRI, are often used to help guide the needle used in a core needle biopsy.
• Surgical biopsy. A surgeon may perform an operation to remove the suspicious cells for examination.

The tissue removed during your biopsy is sent to a laboratory where doctors that specialize in analyzing blood and body tissues (pathologists) closely examine the cells to determine if you have LCIS.