TYPES OF BREAST CANCER
Breast cancer occurs in two broad categories: noninvasive and invasive.
Noninvasive (in situ) breast cancer: Cancerous cells remain in a particular location of the breast, without spreading to
surrounding tissue, lobules or ducts.
Invasive (infiltrating) breast cancer: Cancerous cells break through normal breast tissue barriers and spread to other parts
of the body through the bloodstream and lymph nodes.
Breast cancer is also classified based on where in the breast the disease started (e.g., milk ducts, lobules), how the disease
grows, and other factors. The tabs on the left provide an overview of some common types of breast cancer.
Some other types of breast cancer include, but are not limited to: Paget's disease of the nipple, sarcoma of the breast,
medullary carcinoma, tubular carcinoma, mucinous carcinoma, metaplastic carcinoma, adenocystic carcinoma, phyllodes
tumor and angiosarcoma.
Breast cancer symptoms
Perhaps the most recognized symptom of breast cancer is a lump or mass in the breast tissue. While many women go to
their doctor after finding a lump, they should also be aware of any other changes to the breast or nipple.
With the different types of breast cancer come a variety of related symptoms. For example, invasive ductal carcinoma
(IDC), which forms in the milk ducts, may cause a distinct breast lump that you can feel. Invasive lobular carcinoma
(ILC), which forms in the milk-producing glands, may cause a thickening in the breast.
Symptoms of breast cancer vary from person to person. Some common breast cancer signs and symptoms include:
Skin changes, such as swelling, redness, or other visible differences in one or both breasts
An increase in size or change in shape of the breast(s)
Changes in the appearance of one or both nipples
Nipple discharge other than breast milk
General pain in/on any part of the breast
Lumps or nodes felt on or inside of the breast
Symptoms more specific to invasive breast cancer are as follows:
Irritated or itchy breasts
Change in breast color
Increase in breast size or shape (over a short period of time)
Changes in touch (may feel hard, tender or warm)
Peeling or flaking of the nipple skin
A breast lump or thickening
Redness or pitting of the breast skin (like the skin of an orange)
Breast cancer risk factors
GENERAL
Aging: On average, women over 60 are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Only about 10 – 15 percent of
breast cancers occur in women younger than 45. However, this may vary for different races or ethnicities.
Gender: Although nearly 2,000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year, breast cancer is 100 times more common in women. The National Cancer Institute estimates that over 190,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer
annually.