Breast cancer and its types
Breast cancer overview
There are too many types of cancer and breast cancer is one of them that develops in the breast tissue. It occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor. Breast cancer can occur in both women and men, although it is much more common in women.
Breast cancer can be divided into different types based on where in the breast the cancer starts, the type of cell that the cancer begins in, and how aggressive the cancer is. Some of the most common types of breast cancer include ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), and inflammatory breast cancer (IBC).
Breast cancer can cause a variety of symptoms, including a lump or thickening in the breast, changes in the size or shape of the breast, nipple discharge or inversion, and skin changes around the breast. However, not all breast cancers cause noticeable symptoms, and some may be detected through screening tests such as mammography.
Treatment for breast cancer typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and/or targeted therapy. The specific treatment plan will depend on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as other factors such as the person’s age and overall health.
Early detection and prompt treatment are important for improving the chances of a successful outcome for breast cancer. Women are encouraged to perform breast self-exams and receive regular mammograms to screen for breast cancer, particularly if they have a family history of the disease or other risk factors.
Breast cancer types
There are several types of breast cancer, which can be classified based on the location of the tumor within the breast, the type of cells that the cancer originated from, and how quickly the cancer is growing. Here we are submitting most common types of breast cancer.
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): This is a non-invasive breast cancer that originates in the milk ducts of the breast. DCIS is often detected through mammograms and is generally treatable.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): This is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It occurs when cancer cells invade the surrounding breast tissue from the milk ducts and form a lump.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): This type of breast cancer originates in the milk-producing glands, called lobules, and can spread to other parts of the breast and beyond.
Metastatic Breast Cancer: This is a type of breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, bones, or brain.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC): This type of breast cancer is aggressive form of breast cancer and also a rear form. Due to its aggressiveness the breast becomes red, swollen and feel warm when touch it. It can also cause a dimpled or pitted appearance on the breast.
Triple Negative Breast Cancer: This is a sub-type of breast cancer that does not have receptors for estrogen, progesterone, or HER2 proteins.
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: This is a sub-type of breast cancer that has too much of the HER2 protein on the surface of the cancer cells, making them grow more quickly. It can be treated with targeted therapies that block the HER2 protein.
The type of breast cancer a person has will determine the treatment options available and the overall prognosis.
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a type of breast cancer that occurs when abnormal cells are found in the lining of the milk ducts of the breast. The term “in situ” means that the cancer cells have not spread outside the ducts into the surrounding breast tissue.
DCIS is considered a non-invasive or per-invasive breast cancer because it has not spread beyond the milk ducts. However, if left untreated, DCIS can progress to invasive breast cancer, which can be more difficult to treat.
DCIS is often detected through mammography screening and may not cause any noticeable symptoms. If a mammogram detects an abnormality, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the presence of DCIS.
Treatment for DCIS usually involves surgery to remove the cancerous cells. This may be followed by radiation therapy to help prevent the cancer from coming back. Sometimes the specialists suggest the hormone therapy.
The prognosis for DCIS is generally good, with a high survival rate. However, it is important to receive appropriate treatment and follow-up care to monitor for any recurrence or development of invasive breast cancer.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 80% of all breast cancer cases. It occurs when cancer cells from the milk ducts invade the surrounding breast tissue and can spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.
IDC usually presents as a lump or mass in the breast, and may also cause changes in the breast’s shape, size, or texture. Other symptoms may include nipple discharge, nipple inversion, or skin changes on the breast.
Diagnosis of IDC typically involves a biopsy of the breast tissue to confirm the presence of cancer cells. Imaging tests such as mammography, ultrasound, or MRI may also be used to determine the size and extent of the cancer.
Treatment for IDC usually involves surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, followed by radiation therapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy may also be recommended depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer.
The prognosis for IDC depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the size and location of the tumor, and whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. With early detection and appropriate treatment, the outlook for IDC is generally favorable, and many women are able to live long and healthy lives after a diagnosis of breast cancer.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is a type of breast cancer that starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules) of the breast and can invade the surrounding breast tissue.
ILC may not cause any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the cancer grows, it may present as a thickening or hardening in the breast tissue, a change in the breast’s shape or size, or a lump that can be felt. In some cases, ILC may cause nipple discharge, nipple inversion, or changes in the texture or color of the breast skin.
Diagnosis of ILC typically involves a biopsy of the breast tissue to confirm the presence of cancer cells. Imaging tests such as mammography, ultrasound, or MRI may also be used to determine the size and extent of the cancer.
Treatment for ILC usually involves surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, followed by radiation therapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy may also be recommended depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer.
The prognosis for ILC depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the size and location of the tumor, and whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. With early detection and appropriate treatment, the outlook for ILC is generally favorable, and many women are able to live long and healthy lives after a diagnosis of breast cancer.
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Metastatic breast cancer, also known as stage IV breast cancer, is a type of breast cancer that has spread from the breast to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, lungs, or brain. Metastatic breast cancer is considered advanced or terminal breast cancer because it has spread beyond the breast and is more difficult to treat.
Metastatic breast cancer can occur in both men and women, and it is usually diagnosed after the initial breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, metastatic breast cancer may be the first diagnosis of breast cancer.
Symptoms of metastatic breast cancer may vary depending on the location and extent of the cancer. Some common symptoms include bone pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, weight loss, and neurological symptoms such as headaches or seizures.
Treatment for metastatic breast cancer may include a combination of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. The goal of treatment is to slow the progression of the cancer, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life. Some people with metastatic breast cancer may also participate in clinical trials to test new treatments.
The prognosis for metastatic breast cancer depends on several factors, including the location and extent of the cancer, the person’s overall health, and the effectiveness of treatment. While there is no cure for metastatic breast cancer, many people with this condition are able to live for several years with good quality of life with appropriate treatment and support.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer that accounts for less than 5% of all breast cancer cases. It occurs when cancer cells block the lymph vessels in the skin of the breast, causing the breast to become red, swollen, and inflamed. This can make the breast appear as if it has an orange peel texture.
In addition to the visible changes to the breast, IBC may also cause warmth, tenderness, or pain in the breast. Other symptoms may include itching or burning sensations, nipple discharge, or nipple inversion.
Diagnosis of IBC usually involves a combination of physical exam, imaging tests such as mammography, ultrasound, or MRI, and a biopsy of the breast tissue to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
Treatment for IBC usually involves a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. Hormone therapy and targeted therapy may also be recommended depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer.
The prognosis for IBC is generally poorer than for other types of breast cancer due to its aggressive nature and tendency to spread quickly. However, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can improve the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival.
It is important for women to be aware of the signs and symptoms of IBC and to seek medical attention if they notice any unusual changes in their breasts, even if they have had normal mammograms in the past.
Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a sub-type of breast cancer that is negative for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). This means that TNBC does not respond to hormone therapy or targeted therapy drugs that are commonly used to treat other types of breast cancer.
TNBC accounts for about 10-15% of all breast cancer cases and tends to occur more frequently in younger women and women with a family history of breast cancer. TNBC may be more aggressive than other types of breast cancer, and it is more likely to recur after treatment.
Symptoms and diagnosis of TNBC are similar to other types of breast cancer, and may include a lump in the breast, breast pain, nipple discharge or inversion, or changes in the upper side of breast skin.
Treatment for TNBC usually involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Because TNBC does not respond to hormone therapy or targeted therapy drugs, treatment options are more limited than for other types of breast cancer. However, some clinical trials are underway to develop new drugs and treatment approaches for TNBC.
The prognosis for TNBC can vary depending on several factors, including the stage and size of the cancer, the person’s age and overall health, and the effectiveness of treatment. Generally, the prognosis for TNBC is more guarded than for other types of breast cancer, but many women with TNBC are able to achieve remission and live long and healthy lives after treatment.
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
HER2-positive breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that tests positive for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), a protein that helps regulate cell growth and division. In about 20% of breast cancer cases, the cancer cells produce too much HER2, which can lead to more aggressive growth and a higher risk of recurrence.
HER2-positive breast cancer is more common in younger women and tends to be more aggressive than other types of breast cancer. It is also associated with a higher risk of recurrence and metastasis.
Symptoms and diagnosis of HER2-positive breast cancer are similar to other types of breast cancer and may include a lump in the breast, breast pain, nipple discharge or inversion, or changes in the texture or appearance of the breast skin.
Treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer usually involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Targeted therapy drugs such as trastuzumab (Herceptin) and pertuzumab (Perjeta) are designed to target HER2-positive cancer cells and can be very effective in reducing the risk of recurrence and improving survival.
The prognosis for HER2-positive breast cancer has improved significantly in recent years due to advances in targeted therapy and combination treatments. With appropriate treatment, many women with HER2-positive breast cancer are able to achieve remission and live long and healthy lives.
It is important for women with HER2-positive breast cancer to work closely with their healthcare providers to develop an individualized treatment plan that takes into account their unique medical history and personal preference