Types of Breast Cancer
The most common forms of breast cancers begin in the milk ducts, lobules or glands and are named accordingly. There are many types of breast cancer but a pathologist can identify the differences by observing sections of the tumor through a microscope. It is important to speak with your healthcare team as each breast cancer case is unique.
Ductal Carcinoma In-Situ (DCIS)
The term “in situ” or "in place" refers to a very early form of cancer that has not spread. DCIS is a type of early breast cancer inside of the ductal system that has not attacked the nearby tissue. This is a very common type of non invasive cancer.
Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS)
This is a very rare non-invasive tumor that most doctors believe will not develop into invasive cancer. LCIS is more of a “marker” or signal that breast cancer may develop. Described as an abnormal growth in the number of cells, LCIS has recently been renamed lobular neoplasia. Women who have these “markers” are at greater risk of developing breast cancer later in life.
Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
IDC is the most common type of breast cancer. It starts in the milk ducts of your breast and spreads to surrounding tissues. IDC could spread through the lymph system or bloodstream to other parts of your body.
Medullary Carcinoma
Medullary carcinoma accounts for 15% of all breast cancer types. It most frequently occurs in women in their late 40s and 50s, presenting with cells that resemble the medulla (gray matter) of the brain.
Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
ILC is the second most common type of breast cancer after invasive ductual carcinoma. It usually appears as a subtle thickening in the upper-outer section of the breast. ILC starts in the lobules or lobes and has an greater chance of spreading to other parts of the body. Usually positive for estrogen and progesterone receptors, these tumors respond well to hormone therapy.
Tubular Carcinoma
Tubular carcinoma cells have a distinctive tubular structure when viewed under a microscope. This type of breast cancer is typically found in women aged 50 and above. It has an excellent 10-year survival rate of 95%.
Mucinous Carcinoma (Colloid)
Mucinous (colloid) carcinoma is a rare type of invasive breast cancer that rarely spreads to your lymph nodes. It is formed when cancer cells inside your breast produce mucous. This mucous contains cancer cells that are very distinct from normal cells under a microscope. The mucous and cancer cells combine to form jelly-like tumors.
Paget’s Disease
Paget’s disease of the breast is an eczema-like change in the skin of the nipple. The nipple becomes itchy and scaly and does not get better. Studies have shown that 9 out of 10 women who experience these symptoms have an underlying breast cancer. Paget’s Disease can occur at any age but will more likely occur in women who are in their 50s.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare but very aggressive type of breast cancer that causes the lymph vessels in the skin of the breast to become blocked. IBC usually grows in nests or sheets, rather than as a confined, solid tumor or palpable mass. This type of breast cancer is called "inflammatory" because the breast often looks swollen and red, or "inflamed".
IBC requires quick and aggressive treatment. Here are important symptoms to watch for:
- Increase in breast size over a relatively short period of time (sometimes a cup size in a few days)
- Itching that is unrelenting and unrelieved by oral drugs or topical agents
- Pink, red, or dark-colored areas sometimes with peau d'orange (texture similar to the skin of an orange)
- Ridges and thickened areas of the skin
- What appears to be a bruise that does not go away
- Nipple flattening or retraction
- Nipple discharge
- Breast is excessively warm to the touch
- Breast is harder or firmer than usual
- Breast pain which is not cyclic in nature (may be constant or stabbing)
- Change in color and/or texture of the areola (area surrounding the nipple)
- Swollen lymph nodes in the underarm or above the collarbone
