Breast cancer can emerge in many forms, and understanding the differences between each type is crucial to receive proper treatment and support. If you or someone you know may be suffering from breast cancer, this post will provide you with an overview of the different types.
Non-Invasive Vs. Invasive Breast Cancers
Breast cancer is categorized into non-invasive (in situ) and invasive (infiltrating) types, each with unique characteristics and effects:
Non-invasive
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): This type of cancer generally affects a breast’s ducts and hasn’t spread to surrounding tissue. While it isn’t initially life-threatening, DCIS may increase the risk of developing invasive breast cancer in the future.
- Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): LCIS emerges in the breast’s lobules and, similar to DCIS, doesn’t spread to surrounding tissues. Doctors consider it more of an indicator of higher breast cancer risk rather than a form of breast cancer that requires treatment.
Invasive
- Invasive ductal carcinoma: This is the most common form of breast cancer. Invasive ductal carcinoma starts in the breast ducts before spreading to nearby tissues. From there, it can affect other body parts, which may require serious treatment.
- Invasive lobular carcinoma: Starting in the breast’s lobules, this cancer type is known to spread to other body parts more quickly than other forms.
- Triple Negative Breast Cancer: This rarer form of cancer lacks three primary receptors that fuel breast cancer growth—estrogen, progesterone, and the HER-2/neu gene. Its unique characteristics make it hard to treat with hormone therapy.
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer: A rare form that gives patients red, swollen, and tender breasts. It’s caused by cancer cells blocking lymph vessels in the skin of the breast, requiring aggressive treatment to control it.
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Understanding and treating breast cancer is an ongoing journey, and each breakthrough brings us closer to a cure. With your support, you can make a difference and defeat all forms of breast cancer in the future. Help us with our mission and donate to our cause today.