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Types of Cancer > Breast Cancer > Diagnosis, Screening, and Staging
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| Classifications of Breast Cancer |
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Next to nonmelanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer found in women. Not all breast cancer is the same, and not all types of breast cancer share the same symptoms or prognosis. Because of this, it is important to know the different types of breast cancer and to understand how each type differs from the others.
Breast cancer is considered to be in situ when the cancer has remained in either the lobules or ducts of the breast and has not spread to the surrounding tissue or lymph nodes. When the cancer spreads beyond the lobules or ducts and begins affecting the fatty tissue of the breast, the lymph nodes, or other organs, the cancer is considered to be invasive, also known as infiltrating.
Adenocarcinoma is a term that is used to describe any type cancer that forms in any of the body¡¯s glandular tissues. Most cases of breast cancer begin development in the ducts and lobules of the breasts. Because this area of the breast is glandular tissue, most cases of breast cancer begin as adenocarcinoma, whether it be lobular adenocarcinoma or ductal adenocarcinoma.
Lobular carcinoma can be either in situ or invasive. Lobular carcinoma in situ occurs when the tumor is located in the milk glands, but has not infiltrated the walls of the lobules. This type of cancer will not normally develop into an invasive breast cancer, but can indicate an increased risk of developing invasive cancer in either of the breasts at some point in the future. Invasive cases of lobular carcinoma are rare and only account for approximately 10 percent of all invasive breast cancer cases.
When cancer develops in the ducts of the breasts, it is referred to as ductal carcinoma. When the cancer is confined to the ducts, it is called ductal carcinoma in situ. Approximately 20 percent of all new breast cancer cases will be of this type. When the cancer is diagnosed, it is important for a doctor to determine how aggressive the cancer is. One way this is done is by studying whether or not tumor necrosis is present. If ductal carcinoma breaks through the duct walls and affects the fatty tissue of the breast and/or the lymph nodes, it is considered to be invasive or infiltrating carcinoma. Infiltrating ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for almost 80 percent of all invasive breast cancer cases. When ductal carcinoma becomes invasive, the cancer can metasize and enter into the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body.
Medullary carcinoma accounts for approximately 5 percent of all breast cancer cases. With this type of cancer, immune cells are found at the edges of the tumor and the tumor features unusually large cancer cells. The positive aspect of this type of cancer is that the line between the cancerous cells and the healthy cells is distinctive and the possibility of successful treatment is better than with other types of invasive breast cancers. Mucinous carcinoma, also known as colloid carcinoma, is another rarer type of breast cancer that also has better-than-usual prognosis when compared to other forms of invasive breast cancer.
Another rarer type of breast cancer is called inflammatory breast cancer. This type of cancer only accounts for about 3 percent of all breast cancer cases. When this type of cancer develops, the breast looks inflamed or infected. The skin is usually red and warm to the touch. These changes are caused by cancer cells blocking channels and vessels in the breast.
Phyllodes tumors are another form of rare breast cancer. They are usually benign tumors that develop in the connective tissue of the breasts. While this type of breast cancer is usually benign, it can, on rare occasion, be malignant. This type of cancer can only be removed surgically as it does not respond to other cancer treatments.
Paget¡¯s disease of the nipple is perhaps the rarest of all breast cancer types, accounting for only 1 percent of all breast cancer cases. This type of cancer starts in the ducts of the breasts and then spreads to the nipple. The prognosis of the condition depends on whether a biopsy shows invasive cancer and whether or not a lump can be felt. With this type of cancer, the nipple will often appear red and crusted and will sometimes ooze or bleed. It is often uncomfortable and burning or itching sensations are common.
Most cases of breast cancer are treatable with good prognosis if caught early. Because of this, regular mammograms and self-examinations are extremely important. If you notice any unusual lumps or changes in your breast, it is important to schedule an appointment with a physician so he or she can determine whether breast cancer is present; and if it is, which type of cancer has developed and how far it has progressed.
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| Author: | Robert Dale, Certified Medical Writer |
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| Reviewer: | Jiade Jay Lu, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Radiology (Radiation Oncology) |
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| Publish Date: October 28, 2004 |
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