Different Types of Breast Cancer
There are many different types of
breast cancer. Some cancer types are common, some are rare. Some are life-threatening, while others are not. A tumor may actually be a combination of different types of breast cancer. Knowing the type plays a critical role in determining treatment options. Common types are: ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or intraductal carcinoma, invasive (or infiltrating) ductal carcinoma (IDC); and invasive (or infiltrating) lobular carcinoma (ILC). Ductal carcinoma in situ is a non-invasive and early form of the disease.
Cancer cells are inside the ductal system and have not spread to other parts of the breast. Since it is discovered early on, it can be cured. If tests show that dying cancer cells are present, then the cancer is more aggressive. The most common of the different types of breast cancer is the invasive (or infiltrating) ductal carcinoma (IDC). It begins in the duct, but penetrates the duct wall into the breast tissue. It can metastasize or spread through the lymphatic system to other body parts. Invasive (or infiltrating) lobular carcinoma (ILC) begins in the lobules, or glands that produce milk. It can also metastasize and it can be difficult to detect from a mammogram. There are many different types of breast cancer that are less common and even very rare. Some of these have a better prognosis than the common types. Medullary carcinoma is an invasive breast cancer that is well-defined. Prognosis is generally good, but among the different types of breast cancer, it is a rather uncommon type. Another invasive and uncommon type with a good prognosis is tubular carcinoma, which is named so because of the cancer cell shapes. Mucinous carcinoma is rare type with a good prognosis. Also known as colloid carcinoma, it is the product of cancer cells that produce mucus. Of the different types of breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is very aggressive and rare—the texture of the skin is affected. Cancer cells block the lymph vessels in the skin of the breast, and so the breast looks irritated and red. Prognosis is usually not good. There are several other different types of breast cancer that are rather rare, but do occur. They include: mixed
tumors which contain various cell types; metaplastic carcinoma which includes cells that are unusual for breasts; Paget's disease which begins in breast ducts and spreads to the nipple and areola; papillary carcinoma which afflicts older women; adenoid cystic carcinoma (or adenocystic carcinoma) which has a very good prognosis; Phyllodes tumor which forms in the stroma and is often treated with surgery or a mastectomy; angiosarcoma which starts in the lining of blood vessels. It is important that you familiarize yourself with the different types of breast cancer.
