Different Types of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is not just one disease — it can be classified into different types of breast cancer depending on how the cells in the breast look under a microscope. Different types of breast cancer include:
1. Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): DCIS is considered a non-invasive form of breast cancer, meaning it has not spread beyond the milk ducts into any surrounding normal tissue.
2. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): This is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for 70% to 80% of all breast cancers where cancer cells have invaded the surrounding tissue.
3. Inflammatory Breast Cancer: This type of breast cancer is considered aggressive and can often be hard to diagnose because it does not always form a lump.
4. Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS): LCIS is considered a non-invasive type of breast cancer which means that the cancer cells are contained within the lobules and have not spread to surrounding normal tissue.5. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): This type of cancer starts in the milk-producing lobules and can spread beyond them into other parts of the breast.
6. Mucinous Carcinoma: This type of breast cancer is slow growing and is often found in older women.
7. Metaplastic Breast Cancer: This rare form of breast cancer can be aggressive, but treatment options are often effective.
8. Angiosarcoma: This type of cancer is very rare and can occur in any part of the body, but it is most commonly found in the breast tissue.
9. Phyllodes Tumor: This type of tumor is not considered cancer, but it can still be dangerous if not treated promptly.10. Paget's Disease: This is a rare form of breast cancer that starts in the nipple and can spread to other parts of the breast if left untreated.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
Invasive Breast Cancer
Invasive breast cancer is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases. It begins in the milk ducts or lobules and can spread to surrounding tissues. Lobular breast cancer occurs in the lobules, while inflammatory breast cancer causes the breast to appear red and inflamed. In situ means that the cancer cells are still contained within their original location and have not spread to other parts of the body. Although In Situ breast cancers are non-invasive, they can become invasive over time if left untreated. Early detection is key to successful treatment of any type of breast cancer. If you notice any changes in your breasts, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
In Situ Breast Cancer
In Situ breast cancer is a form of non-invasive breast cancer. It occurs when abnormal cells are present in the milk ducts or lobules, but have not yet spread to surrounding tissue. In situ means that the cancer cells are still confined to their original location and have not spread to other parts of the body. In Situ breast cancers may be DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) or LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ), depending on where the abnormal cells are located. In Situ breast cancer is usually diagnosed through a mammogram and can often be treated successfully with surgery and/or radiation therapy. It is important to note that some In Situ breast cancer can become invasive over time, so close monitoring is important. Early detection and treatment are key to successful outcomes with any type of breast cancer. If you notice any changes in your breasts or have a suspicious mammogram result, contact your healthcare provider right away for further evaluation.
Lobular Breast Cancer
Lobular breast cancer is a type of invasive breast cancer that starts in the milk-producing lobules. It accounts for approximately 10% of all breast cancers and can be more difficult to detect than other types because there is often no lump or mass present. Symptoms may include changes in the shape or size of the breast, nipple discharge, tenderness, or dimpling of the skin. Lobular breast cancer can spread beyond the lobules, so it is important to get regular screenings and follow your doctor’s advice for treatment. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or hormonal therapies. Early detection is key to successful outcomes with any type of breast cancer. If you notice any changes in your breasts or have a suspicious mammogram result, contact your healthcare provider right away for further evaluation. With early detection and treatment, most forms of breast cancer can be treated successfully.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. It accounts for fewer than 5% of all cases of breast cancer and can be difficult to diagnose because it often presents without a lump or other symptoms. Symptoms typically include redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected area as well as tenderness or dimpling of the skin. IBC can spread quickly, so early diagnosis and treatment are essential for successful outcomes. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or hormonal therapies. Because IBC can spread rapidly if not treated promptly, it’s important to get regular checkups and follow your doctor’s advice.
Metaplastic Breast Cancer
Metaplastic breast cancer is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. It accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancers, but it can be difficult to diagnose due to its unique characteristics. Symptoms may include changes in the shape or size of the breasts, as well as nipple discharge or tenderness. Metaplastic breast cancer is usually treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or hormonal therapies. Early detection is key to successful outcomes with any type of breast cancer. If you notice any changes in your breasts or have a suspicious mammogram result, contact your healthcare provider right away for further evaluation. With early detection and treatment, most forms of breast cancer can be treated successfully.
Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is a type of breast cancer that does not respond to the hormones estrogen or progesterone, or to the protein HER2. It accounts for about 10-20% of all breast cancers and typically affects younger women. Symptoms may include changes in the shape or size of the breasts, as well as nipple discharge or tenderness. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or hormonal therapies. Early detection is key to successful outcomes with any type of breast cancer. If you notice any changes in your breasts or have a suspicious mammogram result, contact your healthcare provider right away for further evaluation. With early detection and treatment, most forms of breast cancer can be treated successfully.
Paget's Disease of the Breast
Paget’s disease of the breast is a rare form of breast cancer that affects the nipple and areola. It accounts for 1-4% of all cases of breast cancer, though it is more common in women over 50. Symptoms may include redness or flaking skin around the nipple, itching or burning sensation, discharge from the nipple, tenderness or pain in the area, and changes in the shape or size of the nipples. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or hormonal therapies. Early detection is key to successful outcomes with any type of breast cancer. If you notice any changes in your breasts or have a suspicious mammogram result, contact your healthcare provider right away for further evaluation. With early detection and treatment, most forms of breast cancer can be treated successfully.
Phyllodes Tumor
Phyllodes tumors are a rare type, but they are the most common type of benign breast tumor. They account for 0.1-2% of all breast tumors and typically affect women in their 40s or 50s. Symptoms may include a large, firm mass located in the breast that may be tender to the touch as well as changes in the shape or size of the breasts. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or hormonal therapies. Early detection is key to successful outcomes with any type of breast cancer. If you notice any changes in your breasts or have a suspicious mammogram result, contact your healthcare provider right away for further evaluation. With early detection and treatment, most forms of breast cancer can be treated successfully.
Male Breast Cancer
Male breast cancer is rare but does occur in men. It accounts for about 1% of all breast cancers and typically affects men over the age of 60. Symptoms may include a hard lump located in the breast that may be tender to the touch as well as changes in the shape or size of the breasts. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or hormonal therapies. Early detection is key to successful outcomes with any type of breast cancer. If you notice any changes in your breasts or have a suspicious mammogram result, contact your healthcare provider right away for further evaluation. With early detection and treatment, most forms of breast cancer can be treated successfully.
What is the genetic makeup of your breast cancer cells?
Doctors are just beginning to understand how the individual DNA changes within cancer cells might one day be used to determine treatment options. By analyzing the genes of cancer cells, doctors hope to find ways to target specific aspects of the cancer cells to kill them. A sample of your tumor can be tested to determine its genetic makeup, which can help doctors decide on the best approach for treatment. Additionally, your doctor may use this information to test new treatments or clinical trials that are more tailored to your particular tumor type.
What to expect if you are diagnosed with breast cancer
It can be a difficult and overwhelming experience to receive a diagnosis of breast cancer. It is important to remember that you are not alone, and there are many resources available to help you during this time. Your healthcare provider will work with you to develop a treatment plan that best fits your needs and lifestyle. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or hormonal therapies. You may also have access to support groups or counseling services as well as financial assistance for medical costs. With early detection and proper treatment, most forms of breast cancer can be treated successfully.
Summary
Breast cancer is a serious medical condition that can affect both women and men. Early detection is key to successful outcomes with any type of breast cancer. If you notice any changes in your breasts or have a suspicious mammogram result, contact your healthcare provider right away for further evaluation. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or hormonal therapies. There are also many resources available to help support you through the experience, including support groups and financial assistance for medical costs. With early detection and proper treatment, most forms of breast cancer can be treated successfully.
Download the NCCN guidelines
To learn more, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network provides updated guidelines on the different breast cancer types, may start in the milk duct, how tumor cells may affect surrounding breast tissue and connective tissues, the lymphatic vessels, and therapies that can be used to treat the tumor cells.
Download the NCCN guidelines for: