Everyone has heard of breast cancer, and its detrimental affects on the body. But many people do not realize that there are many different types of breast cancer, though some of them are very rare. Sometimes a breast tumor can be a mix of these types or a mixture of invasive and in situ cancer (This term is used for the early stage of cancer, when it is still only in the layer of cells where it began).
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): This is the most common type of non-invasive breast cancer. DCIS means that the cancer is only in the ducts. It has not spread through the walls of the ducts into the tissue of the breast. Nearly all women with cancer at this stage can be cured. Often the best way to find DCIS early is with a mammogram.
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): This condition begins in the milk-making glands but does not go through the wall of the lobules. Although not a true cancer, having LCIS increases a woman’s risk of getting cancer later. For this reason, it’s important that women with LCIS make sure they have regular mammograms.
Invasive (infiltrating) ductal carcinoma (IDC): This is the most common breast cancer. It starts in a milk passage or duct, breaks through the wall of the duct, and invades the tissue of the breast. From there it may be able to spread to other parts of the body. It accounts for about eight out of 10 invasive breast cancers.
Invasive (infiltrating) lobular carcinoma (ILC): This cancer starts in the milk glands or lobules. It can spread to other parts of the body. About one out of 10 invasive breast cancers are of this type.
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): This uncommon type of invasive breast cancer accounts for about one percent to three percent of all breast cancers. Usually there is no single lump or tumor. Instead, IBC makes the skin of the breast look red and feel warm. It also gives the skin a thick, pitted appearance that looks a lot like an orange peel. The affected breast may become larger or firmer, tender, or itchy.
In its early stages, inflammatory breast cancer is often mistaken for infection. Because there is no defined lump, it may not show up on a mammogram, which may make it even harder to catch it early. It usually has a higher chance of spreading and a worse outlook than invasive ductal or lobular cancer. As always, if notice anything of concern, contact your local physician for a check up. There are also many other less common types of breast cancer.
For more information, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org .