Types of Breast Cancer

What are the types of Breast Cancer?

We must remember that breast cancer is not one monolithic tumor. Rather, there are several breast diseases with similar origins and biological features, but that affect different parts of the organ. Some forms of the disease can progress for a long time without metastasizing to the lymph nodes and other tissues; other forms can progress rapidly and lead to death. Therefore, understanding the differences between breast cancers can help tailor treatment options for specific types of the disease.

Recent technological and diagnostic advances in oncology, molecular biology, precision diagnostics, and personalized treatment approaches enable clinicians to make a precise diagnosis and select an appropriate treatment for breast cancer patients.

Understanding Breast Cancer

The breast is a highly specialized organ, consisting of:

  • Ducts that carry milk
  • Lobules or alveoli that secrete milk
  • Fat cells
  • Fibrous tissue
  • Lymph channels

Over 95% of breast cancers develop in the ducts and lobules of the breast.

There are two primary categories of breast cancer:

  • Non-invasive breast cancer
  • Invasive breast cancer

Types of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer includes several different types and subtypes that can vary in how they develop, grow, and respond to treatment. Understanding the specific type of breast cancer can help patients and doctors determine the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment approach.

Common Types of Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Subtypes

Rare Types of Breast Cancer

Other Types of Breast Cancer

What is Non-Invasive Breast Cancer?

These types of breast cancer are localized at their site of origin and do not invade adjacent tissues.

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)

DCIS is among the earliest stages of breast cancer. The cells remain confined within the milk ducts and do not spread into other breast tissues.

Characteristics of DCIS

  • Treated easily
  • Frequently identified via a mammogram.
  • May be asymptomatic
  • It will develop into an invasive form if left untreated.

Standard Treatments for DCIS

  • Conservative surgical removal (lumpectomy)
  • Irradiation
  • Hormone therapy, depending on individual cases

Early diagnosis of DCIS can lead to great success rates.

Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)

LCIS is not a cancer but a pre-cancerous condition where there are abnormal cells found in the breast lobules.

Key Points About LCIS

  • Enhances the chances of developing breast cancer in the future
  • Picked up incidentally during the biopsy procedure
  • Needs frequent monitoring and screening

What is Invasive Breast Cancer?

An invasive breast cancer extends from the ducts or lobules to surrounding tissues and sometimes travels to lymph nodes or even distant organs.

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

IDC is the most common form of breast cancer that spreads to the surrounding breast tissue after starting in the milk ducts.

Possible Symptoms May Include:

  • Feel a mass in the breast.
  • Distortion of the skin
  • Nipple discharge
  • Armpit swelling

Treatments may include:

  • Surgical removal
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Hormonal therapy
  • Targeted therapy

Treatments are based on tumor stage and molecular properties.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)

ILC originates from the milk-secreting lobules and infiltrates surrounding tissues.

Properties of Invasive Lobular Carcinoma

  • Difficult to diagnose via imaging techniques
  • Has a diffusive pattern of growth
  • May affect several areas of the breast

Symptoms of Invasive Lobular Carcinoma

  • Breast thickening
  • Breast fullness/swelling
  • Presence of breast alterations

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

Triple-negative breast cancer does not express:

  • Estrogen receptors
  • Progesterone receptors
  • HER2 protein overexpression

Properties of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

  • A more aggressive form of breast cancer
  • Mostly seen in young females.
  • High risk of recurrence

Treatment Options

  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy in some cases
  • Surgery and radiation therapy

Since hormonal therapy and HER2-directed treatments do not work, treatment planning is highly individualized.

HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

HER2-positive breast cancer is characterized by excessive amounts of HER2 protein that stimulate rapid cancer cell proliferation.

Key Features of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

  • Quick progression
  • Aggressive cancer behavior
  • Good reaction to target-oriented therapies

Treatment Options

  • Treatment focused on HER2.
  • Chemotherapy
  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy

New HER2-focused treatments have greatly improved outcomes in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.

Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer

It refers to the cancers that develop due to hormonal influences like estrogen and progesterone.

They Include:

  • ER-positive cancer
  • PR positive cancer

Common forms of treatment:

  • Hormonal therapy
  • Surgery
  • Radiotherapy
  • Chemotherapy for some patients

Hormonal therapy reduces the risk of recurrence.

Inflammatory breast cancer

This kind of breast cancer is uncommon but aggressive.

Its symptoms include:

  • Redness and swelling of the breast
  • Warmth and tenderness
  • Tight or pitted skin
  • A dramatic increase in the size of the breast

Unlike most types of breast cancer, this disease does not present any noticeable lump.

The usual treatment methods include:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Surgery
  • External radiation
  • Targeted therapy if required

Paget's disease of the Breast

This is an unusual cancer type that occurs on the nipples and surrounding skin of the breast.

Its symptoms include:

  • Scaling and crusting of the nipple
  • Itching and burning sensations
  • Nipple discharge
  • Discomfort or irritation of the skin

Paget's disease always develops with an underlying breast cancer.

Male breast cancer

Although it is extremely uncommon, men can also develop breast cancer.

Its symptoms include:

  • Formation of a lump under the nipple
  • Nipple discharge
  • Skin alterations
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Diagnosis can be challenging due to delays in seeking medical attention.

Metastatic Breast Cancer

Breast cancer that has metastasized is referred to as metastatic breast cancer:

  • Bones
  • Liver
  • Lungs
  • Brain

Though advanced, treatment modalities can help contain the disease and manage symptoms.

What are the molecular classifications of breast cancer?

Modern medicine increasingly relies on molecular classification in determining breast cancer treatments.

Breast cancer can be molecularly classified into:

  • Hormone receptor status
  • HER2 status
  • Genetic mutation
  • Tumor biology

The information helps choose appropriate treatment options.

Why is an accurate diagnosis important for choosing breast cancer treatment?

Accurate diagnosis is important in determining:

  • Cancer type
  • Stage of the disease
  • Recurrence potential
  • Appropriate treatment modality

Methods of cancer diagnosis include:

  • Mammography
  • Ultrasound
  • Breast MRI imaging
  • Biopsy
  • Molecular classification

What advanced technologies are transforming breast cancer care?

Today, technology has advanced the methods of breast cancer treatment.

Advanced Breast Imaging

Modern technology allows the use of high-resolution breast imaging techniques like mammography, MRI, ultrasound, and PET-CT scanning in improving:

  • Early detection
  • Localization
  • Planning

Minimally Invasive & Breast-conserving Surgical Procedures

Today's medical advances aim at procedures that allow:

  • Effective removal of tumors
  • Preservation of aesthetics
  • Faster recovery

Precision Radiation Treatment

Modern radiation therapies like IMRT & IGRT have greatly improved accuracy and reduced the risk of radiation to healthy tissue.

Individualized Systemic Therapy

Contemporary breast cancer therapy could be based on one of the following modalities:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Hormone therapy
  • Targeted treatment
  • Immunotherapy

Such a therapy is selected based on the cancer subtype and the patient's individual needs.

What makes a specialized Breast Cancer Center of Excellence unique?

Specialized breast cancer centers offer comprehensive and coordinated treatment for patients with breast cancer.

Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Team

Treatment can include:

  • Surgical breast oncologist
  • Medical oncologist
  • Radiation oncologist
  • Radiologist/pathologist
  • Reconstructive surgeon
  • Rehabilitation specialist

Effective treatment planning helps to achieve better results.

What support services are included in rehabilitation and survivorship care?

Comprehensive breast cancer care could include:

  • Physiotherapy/lymphatic arm rehabilitation
  • Treatment for lymphedema
  • Nutritional support
  • Psychological support
  • Cancer survivorship care

To seek an Expert consultation for breast cancer care in Lucknow, India:

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