Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a group of diseases that develop in the breast tissue. It is primarily divided into two main categories: invasive breast cancers and non-invasive breast cancers. These can be further categorized into different types and subtypes based on their characteristics, including how they spread, their cell structure, and the molecular features of the tumor.

Back
Symptoms

Breast cancer symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer but commonly include a persistent lump in the breast or underarm, changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast, unexplained pain in the breast or nipple, skin changes such as redness or dimpling, and nipple discharge other than breast milk. Earlystage breast cancer may not present noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screening is recommended for individuals at high risk.

This is some text inside of a div block.
Risk Factors

The most significant risk factor for breast cancer is gender, as women are much more likely to develop the disease than men. Age is also a crucial factor, with risk increasing as a woman gets older, particularly after age 50. Other risk factors include a family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2, hormonal factors such as early menstruation or late menopause, and lifestyle factors like alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, and being overweight or obese.

This is some text inside of a div block.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Subtypes of

Breast Cancer

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
This is some text inside of a div block.

IDC is the most common type of breast cancer, making up about 70-80% of all invasive breast cancers. It starts inthe milk ducts and then spreads to surrounding tissue.

Subtypes:

  • Grades I, II, & III
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
This is some text inside of a div block.

The second most common type of invasive breast cancer, ILC starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules) and then spreads to surrounding tissue. It can be more difficult to detect with mammography and tends to present as a thicker area in the breast.

Subtypes:

  • Classic Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
  • Pleomorphic Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
  • Signet Ring Cell Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
This is some text inside of a div block.

Also non-invasive, LCIS starts in the lobules and is considered a marker for increased risk of invasive breast cancer.

HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
This is some text inside of a div block.

Characterized by an overexpression of the HER2 protein, this subtype can be more aggressive but may respond to targeted therapies.

Hormone Receptor-Positive (HR+) Breast Cancer
This is some text inside of a div block.

Hormone Receptor-Positive (HR+) breast cancer refers to a type of breast cancer in which the cancer cells have receptors for certain hormones, namely estrogen and/or progesterone, on their surface. These hormones can fuel the growth of the cancer cells.

Subtypes:

  • Estrogen Receptor-Positive (ER+)
  • Progesterone Receptor-Positive (PR+)
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
This is some text inside of a div block.

A non-invasive form, DCIS is confined to the milk ducts and has not spread to surrounding tissue. While not life threatening, it can increase the risk of developing invasive breast cancer in the future.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
This is some text inside of a div block.

A rare but aggressive form of breast cancer, IBC grows rapidly and causes the breast to become red, swollen, and warm. The cancer cells block the lymphatic vessels in the skin of the breast.

Subtypes:

  • Classic Inflammatory Breast Cancer
  • Non-classical Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Medullary Breast Cancer
This is some text inside of a div block.

A rare and less aggressive type of invasive breast cancer that is characterized by a large, well-defined tumor surrounded by a boundary of immune cells. It tends to have a better prognosis than other invasive breast cancers.

Subtypes:

  • Classic Medullary Carcinoma
  • Atypical Medullary Carcinoma
Paget's Disease of the Breast
This is some text inside of a div block.

A rare form of breast cancer that begins in the ducts and spreads to the skin of the nipple. Paget's disease typically presents as a skin rash, which may be mistaken for an infection.

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
This is some text inside of a div block.

A more aggressive subtype of breast cancer that does not express the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), or HER2 protein. It tends to grow faster and is more likely to spread than other types.

Tubular Carcinoma of the Breast
This is some text inside of a div block.

Tubular carcinoma is a subtype of invasive ductal carcinoma that accounts for about 2% of breast cancers. It is typically a low-grade, well-differentiated form of cancer, meaning it grows slowly and has a better prognosis compared to other breast cancer subtypes.

Subtype:

  • Classic Tubular Carcinoma
  • Atypical Tubular Carcinoma
Phyllodes Tumor
This is some text inside of a div block.

Phyllodes tumors are rare breast tumors that account for less than 1% of all breast cancers. These tumors can be benign, borderline, or malignant. Malignant phyllodes tumors are more likely to spread to other parts of the body than benign forms.

Subtypes:

  • Benign Phyllodes Tumor
  • Borderline Phyllodes Tumor
  • Malignant Phyllodes Tumor
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Disclaimer: This list provides a comprehensive overview of some of the most common cancerous solid tumors, including theirtypes, subtypes, symptoms and risk factors. However, it is important to note that this list may not capture everypossible tumor type and subtype within this category. Cancer research is continually evolving, and new types andsubtypes may emerge over time. For a complete and personalized understanding of a cancer type or sub-type,individuals should consult medical professionals or oncologists. This information is intended for educationalpurposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis.