Types of Breast Cancer
BrBreast cancer can begin in different areas of the breast – the ducts, the lobules, or in some cases, the tissue in between.
Ductal Breast Cancer
About 80-90% of all breast cancers are ductal in origin. The ducts in the breasts carry milk from the lobules or glands of the breast to the nipples. There are two types of Ductal Cancers:
- DCIS – Ductal Carcinoma In Situ : It is the most common type of non-invasive breast cancer. Ductal means that the cancer starts inside the milk ducts, carcinoma refers to any cancer that begins in the skin or other tissues (including breast tissue) that cover or line the internal organs, and in situ means “in its original place.” DCIS is called “non-invasive” because it hasn’t spread beyond the milk duct.
- IDC – Invasive Ductal Carcinoma : It refers to cancer that has broken through the wall of the milk duct and begun to invade the tissues of the breast. Over time, invasive ductal carcinoma can spread to the lymph nodes and possibly to other areas of the body.
Lobular Breast Cancer
Lobular breast cancer is a type of cancer which originates in the lobules or milk-producing glands of the breasts.
- LCIS – Lobular Carcinoma In Situ : Lobular means that the abnormal cells start growing in the lobules, the milk-producing glands at the end of breast ducts. Carcinoma refers to any cancer that begins in the skin or other tissues that cover internal organs — such as breast tissue. In situ or “in its original place”.
- ILC – Invasive Lobular Carcinoma : It refers to cancer that has broken through the wall of the lobule and begun to invade the tissues of the breast. Over time, invasive lobular carcinoma can spread to the lymph nodes and possibly to other areas of the body.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Inflammatory breast cancer is a very aggressive form of cancer. It starts out in the breast ducts and then quickly invades the surrounding tissue. It does not form a lump but the breast can become enlarged and tender with engorged veins, similar to an infection or inflammation of the breast.
Paget’s Disease of the Nipple
Paget’s disease is a cancer of the skin cells of the nipples and/or the areola. It may be due to spread from an underlying invasive breast cancer or may be a spontaneous change of the skin cells.
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