Types of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a disease that can take many different
forms depending on the location and type of tumor present. Determining what type of breast cancer you
have is a pivotal step in the treatment process and allows your physician to
develop a treatment plan that is specifically targeted to your particular type
of cancer. After a breast tissue sample
is completed and cancer is found, your physician will typically place the
cancer in one of two categories:
- Noninvasive: Also known as in situ breast cancer, the
term noninvasive refers to the type of cancer in which the malignant cells have
stayed in their place of origin and have not spread to surrounding tissues.
- Ductal
Carcinoma: This is the
most common form of noninvasive breast cancer.
The cancer is contained within the lining of the milk ducts and has not
spread into the rest of the breast.
Often, doctors will refer to this type of cancer as stage 0 cancer.
- Invasive: Invasive or infiltrating breast cancer is
cancer that has spread outside its place of origin and into surrounding breast
tissue. Cancers in stages 1-4 are each
considered invasive.
- Invasive
Ductal Carcinoma: Accounting for nearly 80% of all breast cancer
cases in the U.S., invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common form of breast
cancer. Ductal Carcinoma becomes
invasive when the cancer spreads from the milk ducts into other parts of the
breast or body.
- Invasive
Lobular Carcinoma: Lobular Carcinoma is the second most common
type of breast cancer after Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Lobular carcinoma begins in the milk lobules
and spreads to other parts of the breast. Over time, the cancer may also spread
to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Pinpointing the type of breast cancer specific to your case
is extremely important in selecting the appropriate course of treatment.
Depending on the cancer’s place of origin within the breast and whether or not
it is noninvasive or invasive, certain treatments will be more effective than
others. At North Georgia Diagnostic
Clinic, are physicians and staff utilizes the latest technology to ensure the
proper diagnosis and most effective course of treatment possible.
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