What if my report on lobular carcinoma in-situ (LCIS) mentions “margins” or “ink”?
When an excisional biopsy (lumpectomy) of LCIS is performed, the pathologist coats the outer aspect of the specimen with ink, sometimes different colored ink. If LCIS extends to the ink, it indicates that it may not have been completely removed (i.e.it is at the surgical “margin”). However, the surgeon may have removed additional tissue at the time of surgery to guard against this possibility. Even if LCIS has not been completely removed,, it is typically not treated with further excision. However, in some cases, such as pleomorphic LCIS, LCIS with necrosis, or LCIS that make a mass that is palpable or seen on mammography, it may be treated with additional excision. The management of LCIS at a margin is best discussed with your treating physician.
