Lobular breast carcinoma after covid-19: What has changed in prevalence and molecular profile?
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Abstract
Introduction: Invasive lobular carcinoma (CLI) is a type of cancer that originates in the mammary glands. It is distinguished by presenting multiple histological and molecular patterns, with the main subtypes being luminal (A and B) and triple negative. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted health services, with the suspension of elective operations and the prioritization of care for severe cases.
Objective: To evaluate the possible changes in the prevalence and characteristics of CLI in the post-pandemic period, with emphasis on the distribution by age group, histological patterns, and molecular subtypes.
Method: The prevalence of carcinoma was identified by core biopsy and/or segmental resection of the breast, within the histological standards of lobular carcinomas, and the comparison of histological findings was based on the immunohistochemical profile of the tumors (molecular classification).
Results: The highest prevalence was between the fifth and seventh decades, peaking in the fifth (41-50 years) similar to pre-pandemic data. The classic histological pattern of the CLI was the most common in all age groups. Among the classical CLIs, luminal molecular subtype A was the most prevalent. There was no statistically significant difference between the prevalence of luminal CLI B and triple negative. Triple-negative tumors predominantly exhibited the pure histiocytoid pattern.
Conclusion: There was a higher prevalence of CLI in women in the fifth decade, with a predominance of the classic pattern and the luminal subtype A in the post-pandemic period.
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