Molecular Genetic Basis of Invasive Breast Cancer Risk Associated With Lobular Carcinoma in Situ

This study is being done in order to better understand the biology of an abnormal lesion found in breast tissue called "lobular carcinoma in situ" (LCIS). We are interested in studying LCIS. The LCIS is not a cancer itself, but is a marker for an increased risk of cancer. We would like to look for LCIS in breast tissue removed during surgery from patients with cancer or at high risk for cancer. If LCIS is found, we will search for genes that are expressed (turned on or off) differently than in normal breast tissue. The identification of such genes would help us better understand the biology of LCIS, and its possible relationship to breast cancer.