Types Of Breast Cancer

Types Of Breast Cancer
By Connie Limon

Women seem to fear breast more than any other life
threatening disease. Research shows women are more likely to die
from cardiovascular disease than from all forms of cancer
combined. Breast is rare in men, although it does occur.

If you are one that fears breast cancer, there is more reason
for optimism today than ever before. Doctors have made great
progress in diagnosing and treating breast in the last 30
years.

Radical mastectomy is rarely performed today. There are more
and better treatment options. This article addresses the
different types of breast cancer.

Breast type is determined from a tissue sample (biopsy)
sent to the lab for analysis. The treatment for breast cancer
depends upon what type it is.

The breast’s milk ducts is where the most common types of
breast originate. The actual point in origin is
determined by the microscopic appearance of the cells
from a biopsy.

When breast cells remain contained within their place of
origin the is called situ breast cancer. In situ breast
cancer the cells have not invaded breast tissue around
the duct or lobule.

Ductal carcinoma in situ is abnormal cells in the lining of a
milk duct that have not invaded the surrounding breast tissue.
In this early-stage breast some experts consider it to be
a “precancerous” condition. Success of treatment during this
stage is high. No evidence suggests that ductal carcinoma in
situ affects a woman’s life span. If left untreated, it may
eventually develop into invasive breast cancer.

Lobular carcinomas in situ are abnormal cells contained within
a lobule of the breast that have not invaded the surrounding
breast tissue. It has not yet been determined if lobular
carcinoma in situ is an early form of breast or just a
marker for the future development of cancer. Experts agree if
you have lobular carcinoma in situ you are at a higher risk of
developing breast in either breast in the future.

Invasive breast cancers break free of where they originate and
invade the surrounding tissues that support the ducts and
lobules of the breast. The cells can also travel to other
parts of the body

such as the lymph nodes.

Invasive ductal carcinoma accounts for the majority of invasive
breast cancers.

Invasive lobular carcinoma is less common than invasive ductal
carcinoma, but acts in a similar manner. It starts in the
milk-producing lobule and invades the surrounding breast tissue,
and can spread to more parts of the body. You might not be able
to detect a breast lump with invasive lobular carcinoma. There
may be a general thickening or sensation in the breast tissue
that feels different. Invasive lobular carcinoma is harder to
find by touch and less likely to appear on a mammogram.

Source: Mayo Clinic, personal knowledge

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to
replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care
provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice
about specific medical concerns.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. Article
written 2-2007.

About the Author: Connie Limon. Please visit our collection of
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