To review the spectrum of mammographic and ultrasonographic findings of infiltrating lobular carcinoma of the breast (ILC), with the improvement in detection, localization and characterization by using ultrasound elastography.

ILC is the second most common histological type of breast cancer, accounting for approximately 10%–15% of all invasive breast cancers [1]. Compared with the more common invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), ILC has different etiological, clinical and biological features [2]. ILC is characterized by small, round cells, with a scant cytoplasm and lack of E-cadherin (cell adhesion molecule). The classic form of ILC has a typical growth pattern, with the cells infiltrating the stroma in a single file and surrounding benign breast tissues with a specific...

At the present, mammography, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging are the imaging modalities used in the detection, evaluation and staging of breast cancers [1]. All of them have specific indications and each modality has its own advantages and limitations. ILC is characterized by its polymorphism on both, mammography and ultrasound. One particularity of ILC is that it can be easily missed on mammographic examination, since it is commonly not seen on either of the two standard views [1]. The rate of false-negative results was reported...

Infiltrating lobular carcinoma is often a challenging diagnosis even for experienced radiologists. Breast elastography is an easy and quick diagnostic method , available at the time of the ultrasound examination, that can improve the sensitivity and specificity of B-mode ultrasound in detecting, characterizing and managing this type of breast cancer.

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