Breast Cancer Varieties: Characteristics, Signs, Remedies, and Additional Information
Breast cancer is a widespread concern, affecting many individuals worldwide. This article aims to provide a clear and concise overview of the different types of breast cancer, their symptoms, treatments, and outlooks.
- Non-invasive Breast Cancers (Carcinoma in situ)
- Examples include Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) and Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS). These cancers have not penetrated the basement membrane and are typically detected through mammography showing microcalcifications.
- Symptoms: Often asymptomatic and found via screening.
- Treatment: DCIS may be treated with breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) followed by radiation therapy. Hormone therapy might be used if hormone receptors are positive.
- Outlook: Generally excellent prognosis since they have not invaded surrounding tissues.
- Invasive Breast Cancers
- The two most common invasive types are Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) and Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC).
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC):
- Represents about 80% of invasive breast cancers and grows in ductal cells invading the breast tissue. Subtypes include tubular, mucinous, papillary, cribriform, and medullary.
- Symptoms: Palpable lump, breast pain, skin changes.
- Treatment: Surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy if hormone receptor-positive, targeted therapy if HER2-positive; triple-negative IDC requires chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
- Outlook: Varies by subtype and stage. Triple-negative IDC tends to be more aggressive with a poorer prognosis but responds to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC):
- Accounts for about 10% of invasive breast cancers, grows in single-file patterns, can be bilateral in 20% of cases, and is often multifocal.
- Symptoms: Often harder to detect on mammograms due to growth pattern, possible breast thickening.
- Treatment: Similar to IDC—surgery, radiation, hormone therapy if receptor-positive, chemotherapy as needed.
- Outlook: Generally less aggressive than IDC, often with a better prognosis if detected early.
- Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC):
- Does not express estrogen, progesterone, or HER2 receptors and thus does not respond to hormone therapy or HER2-targeted treatments.
- Represents about 10-15% of breast cancers, most commonly invasive ductal carcinoma.
- More prevalent in Black and Latinx women.
- Symptoms: Similar to other invasive breast cancers (palpable lump, breast skin changes).
- Treatment: Primarily chemotherapy and immunotherapy to shrink tumors pre-surgery; radiation may also be used.
- Outlook: Typically more aggressive, but advances in immunotherapy show promise.
- Other Less Common Subtypes include Mucinous carcinoma, Papillary carcinoma, and Medullary carcinoma.
Overall Symptoms Across Types: Breast lump, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, nipple discharge or inversion, breast pain, and enlarged lymph nodes.
Treatment Strategies: Surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy), radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy (for hormone receptor-positive cancers), targeted therapy (for HER2-positive cancers), and immunotherapy (notably for triple-negative cancers).
Outlook: Depends on cancer type, stage, receptor status, and patient factors. Non-invasive cancers generally have excellent prognosis. IDC and ILC prognosis vary with subtype and stage, with early detection crucial for better outcomes. Triple-negative cancers, despite being aggressive, have emerging treatment options improving outlook.
Remember, early detection is key to a better prognosis. Familiarise yourself with the usual shape, structure, and feel of your breasts. Regularly self-checking for lumps and changes can help with early diagnosis. If you notice any unusual changes, consult a doctor immediately.
[1] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Breast Cancer. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast [2] American Cancer Society. (2021). Breast Cancer: Diagnosis and Staging. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging.html [3] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Breast cancer. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353818 [4] Breast Cancer Now. (2021). Triple-negative breast cancer. https://www.breastcancernow.org/information-support/types-of-breast-cancer/triple-negative-breast-cancer
- Understanding the types of breast cancer is essential for both medical professionals and individuals wanting to know more about health-and-wellness.
- Breast cancer can be divided into non-invasive and invasive types, each with unique characteristics and treatments.
- Non-invasive breast cancers, such as Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) and Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS), typically don't show symptoms and are usually detected during screenings, like mammography.
- Invasive breast cancers, like Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) and Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC), grow in breast tissues and may present with palpable lumps, breast pain, or skin changes.
- Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is a less common subtype that does not respond to hormone therapy or HER2-targeted treatments and is more prevalent in Black and Latinx women.
- Treatment strategies for breast cancer may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, depending on the cancer type and receptor status.
- The outlook for breast cancer patients depends on numerous factors, including cancer type, stage, receptor status, and patient's overall health, but early detection significantly improves the chances of a favorable outcome.
