Types of Breast Cancer

When we talk about breast cancer, we often assume that there is only one type. Some types of breast cancer grow fast, and some may progress unnoticed for an extended period of time. Some types are easily found with a mammogram, but others are found only with ultrasound or other advanced techniques.

If the term metastatic precedes the name of the cancer, that indicates that it has metastasized, or spread into other parts of the body.

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
First developing in the milk ducts, it can easily enlarge and grow through the ductal wall to reach the fatty tissue surrounding the ducts. If this occurs, it is very easy for it to be picked up by the blood circulatory or the lymphatic circulatory system and be spread throughout the body. About seventy percent of the breast cancer cases that we see today are of this type.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
First developing in the lobes (acini) that produce milk, it can easily enlarge and grow through the outer wall of the lobe to reach the surrounding fatty tissue. If this occurs, it is very easy for it to be picked up by the blood circulatory or the lymphatic circulatory system and be spread throughout the body. About ten percent of the breast cancer cases that we see today are of this type.

Inflammatory Carcinoma
Accounting for about four percent or less of all breast cancers, it is the most aggressive type of cancer. It is difficult to treat, and it spreads very quickly.

Medullary Carcinoma
A soft, malignant tumor at or near the surface of the skin, with little or no fibrous tissue. About five percent of the breast cancer cases that we see today are of this type.

Mucinous Carcinoma
A soft, malignant tumor at or near the surface of the skin, with a gelatinous consistency. About five percent of the breast cancer cases that we see today are of this type.

Tubular Carcinoma
A soft, malignant tumor near tubules or ductwork. About five percent of the breast cancer cases that we see today are of this type.

Paget's Disease
A crusty or scaly condition that begins in the ducts near the breast surface. It usually spreads out of the duct, onto the surface of the areola. A rare type of breast cancer, it is often ignored as a simple case of eczema. Aggressive treatment is usually called for.

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
Developing in the milk ducts, it is considered to be of a non-invasive type, because it lingers in the duct for a long time. Eventually it will work through the ductal wall and become metastatic.

Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
Developing in the lobes, it is considered to be non-invasive, because it usually will not advance on to become cancer. It is a very strong indicator that cancer may come later.