Types of Breast Cancer
There are many types of breast cancer, though some of them are very rare. Sometimes a breast tumor can be a mix of these types or a mixture of invasive and in situ cancer.
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): This is the most common type of non-invasive breast cancer. DCIS means that the cancer is only in the ducts. It has not spread through the walls of the ducts into the tissue of the breast. Nearly all women with cancer at this stage can be cured. Often the best way to find DCIS early is with a mammogram.
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): This condition begins in the milk-making glands but does not go through the wall of the lobules. Although not a true cancer, having LCIS increases a woman's risk of getting cancer later. For this reason, it's important that women with LCIS make sure they have regular mammograms.
Invasive (infiltrating) ductal carcinoma (IDC): This is the most common breast cancer. It starts in a milk passage or duct, breaks through the wall of the duct, and invades the tissue of the breast. From there it may be able to spread to other parts of the body. It accounts for about 8 out of 10 invasive breast cancers.
Invasive (infiltrating) lobular carcinoma (ILC): This cancer starts in the milk glands or lobules. It can spread to other parts of the body. About 1 out of 10 invasive breast cancers are of this type.
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): This uncommon
type of invasive breast cancer accounts for about 1% to 3% of all
breast cancers. Usually there is no single lump or tumor. Instead,
IBC makes the skin of the breast look red and feel warm. It also
gives the skin a thick, pitted appearance that looks a lot like
an orange peel. The affected breast may become larger or firmer,
tender, or itchy.
In its early stages, inflammatory breast cancer is often mistaken
for infection. Because there is no defined lump, it may not show
up on a mammogram, which may make it even harder to catch it early.
It usually has a higher chance of spreading and a worse outlook
than invasive ductal or lobular cancer.
Sources: The American Cancer
Society and Medicine.Net
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