The majority of breast cancer cases are in the form of tumors that originate in the cells lining the tissues and organs. Doctors determine the type of breast cancer based on which cells in the breast are affected. There are two main types of breast cancer: non-invasive (limited to the breast duct) and invasive (spreads to the surrounding tissue). This article lists eight common breast cancers that fall under these categories.
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
DCIS is considered the earliest form of breast cancer. In this type of condition, cancerous cell growth begins in the milk ducts and does not spread to the breast’s surrounding tissues. Hence, DCIS falls under the category of non-invasive cancer.
- Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
This is another non-invasive breast cancer that starts in the milk-producing glands known as lobules. These lobules are located at the end of the breast ducts. This cancer is not life-threatening. However, it can turn into invasive breast cancer and spread further with time.
- Invasive ductal carcinoma
About 80 percent of breast cancer cases are of this type. Invasive ductal carcinoma originates in the milk ducts and spreads to the surrounding breast tissues as the disease progresses. In some cases, it can also spread to other body parts, including the lymph nodes.
- Invasive lobular carcinoma
This is another common breast cancer that originates in the breasts’ lobules. Over time, the cancerous cells break through the lobule lining and spread to the surrounding tissues. As the cancer advances, it will begin to spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
- Paget’s disease of the nipple
This is a rare type of breast cancer. Here, the cancerous cells begin to grow in the areola or nipple area. The skin in these parts starts to become red and scaly with itching and irritation. Paget’s disease is often a precursor to invasive breast cancer or DCIS. It is generally one of the first signs of breast cancer.
- Inflammatory breast cancer
This is an aggressive form of breast cancer that progresses quickly and spreads across a vast body area. It affects the lymphatic vessels in the breast or the blood vessels, causing inflammation in the area.
- Locally advanced breast cancer
This is an advanced stage cancer, and the tumor is quite large. The cancer is invasive and spreads to areas beyond the breasts. Cancerous cells will be found in the skin over and around the breast, the chest muscles and walls, and local lymph nodes.
- Metastatic breast cancer
This is another advanced or secondary stage breast cancer, commonly known as stage 4 breast cancer. In this condition, cancer spreads beyond the breast to distant parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, and bones.
