Types of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, which can develop in any area surrounding the breast. These cancerous cells may even develop in lobules, milk ducts, nipple etc. Initially breast cancer was described “scirrhous”, in accordance with its appearance. With development in science they are classified in accordance to its appearances beneath microscope. Previously it was classified as “invasive ductal” or “invasive lobular” cancers but they appear differently under microscope.

They can be classified into special or not special ones. Among the no special type the invasive ductal carcinoma comes and approximately 85% of females suffer from this kind of cancer. While the special cancers can be invasive lobular carcinoma, medullary cancers, invasive tubular, mucinous cancers, cribriform etc. the patients have better chances of survival in special type cancers.

While examining a cancer under microscope one can easily assess the aggressiveness of the cancer cells. They are graded from 1to 3. The grade one is non-aggressive one while the grade 3 is aggressive but can be controlled with treatment.

Types of breast cancer are:-
Invasive ductal carcinoma- this kind may develop in milk ducts and approx. 80% cases are this kind of cancer. These cancer cells can fracture the duct wall and pass and invade the fatty tissue. They then gradually spread to other body parts in blood stream or lymphatic system.

Invasive lobular carcinoma- approximately 10% caner cases are noted with this type. This cancer cells begins from the breast lobules. It can penetrate the fatty tissue and other body parts.

Medullary/ mucinous/ tubular carcinomas- they grow slowly in the body. Approximately 10% cancer types are due to these cases.

Paget’s disease- only 1% cancer account for this. It begins in the milk duct of nipple and spreads to the areola. Women who suffer from this have history of inflammation, itching, crusting or scaling of nipple.

Inflammatory carcinoma- only 1% cancer account for this. This is very aggressive kind of cancer and complex to treat. It spreads very quickly.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) - the cells are filled in the ducts but not have penetrated the fatty tissue walls. With early diagnosis the cancer can be cured. With negligence it can become invasive cancer.

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) - it develops in lobules that produces milk and is less common than DCIS.