Types Of Breast Cancer

List of Breast Cancer Types


  1. Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
  2. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
  3. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
  4. Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
  5. Papillary Carcinoma
  6. Inflammatory Breast Cancer

  1. Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) :

    2. Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) is a type of breast cancer characterized by abnormal cells that are confined to the milk ducts and have not spread into nearby breast tissue. Here's some information about the causes and treatment of DCIS:

    Causes of DCIS:


      The exact cause of DCIS is unknown, but certain risk factors have been identified. These risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing DCIS:


    • Age:

      DCIS is morecommonly diagnosed in women over the age of 50, although it can occur at any age.


    • Genetic Mutations:

      Inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, including DCIS.


    • Hormonal Factors:

      Hormonal factors, such as early menstruation, late menopause, and long-term use of hormone replacement therapy, may contribute to the development of DCIS.


    • Family History:

      Having a close relative (parent, sibling, or child) with a history of breast cancer increases the risk.




    Treatment of DCIS:


    The primary goal of treating DCIS is to prevent the cancer from progressing into invasive breast cancer. The treatment options for DCIS may include:
    1. Surgery:

      The main treatment for DCIS is typically surgery. Two common surgical options are: - Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy): This involves removing the DCIS along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue.

    2. Radiation Therapy:

      After breast-conserving surgery, radiation therapy is often recommended to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

    3. Hormone Therapy:

      In certain cases, hormone therapy may be used, particularly if the hormone receptor status of the DCIS is positive. Hormone therapy aims to block the effects of estrogen on breast tissue and may involve medications like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors.

    4. Clinical Trials:

      Participation in clinical trials may be an option for some individuals. Clinical trials help evaluate new treatments or treatment combinations for DCIS.

      5. It's important to note that the treatment plan for DCIS varies for each individual, taking into account factors such as the size and location of the DCIS, the individual's overall health, personal preferences, and the presence of other risk factors. It's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or oncologist who can evaluate your specific situation and guide you through the most appropriate treatment options.



  2. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

    3. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 70-80% of all breast cancer cases. It is a malignant tumor that originates in the milk ducts of the breast and then invades the surrounding breast tissue.

    Causes Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

    1. Gender and Age

      Being a woman and advancing age is the most significant risk factors for breast cancer, including IDC. Although men can also develop breast cancer, it is much less common in comparison.


    2. Genetic Mutations

      Inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, increase the risk of developing breast cancer, including IDC. However, it's important to note that most cases of IDC occur in people without a family history of the disease.


    3. Personal or Family History:

      Having a personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast conditions, as well as a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, can increase the risk


    4. Hormonal Factors:

      Prolonged exposure to estrogen hormones, such as the early onset of menstruation, late menopause, and never having been pregnant or having a first pregnancy at an older age, can increase the risk of IDC


    5. Dense Breast Tissue:

      Women with dense breast tissue, as seen on mammograms, have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, including IDC


    Treatment of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

    1. Surgery:

      Surgical options for IDC include lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and a small portion of surrounding tissue) or mastectomy (removal of the entire breast). Lymph node removal may also be performed to determine the extent of the cancer.


    2. Radiation Therapy:

      After surgery, radiation therapy is often recommended to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. It involves targeted radiation to the affected breast area.


    3. Chemotherapy:

      In some cases, chemotherapy may be recommended, especially if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth.


  3. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)

    4. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) is a type of breast cancer that begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules) of the breast and has the potential to spread to nearby tissues. It is called "invasive" because the cancer cells have broken out of the lobules and invaded the surrounding breast tissue.

    Causes

    1. Gender:

      Being female is the primary risk factor for breast cancer, including ILC


    2. Age:

      The risk of developing ILC increases with age, with the majority of cases occurring in women over 50


    3. Hormonal factors:

      Having increased levels of estrogen or progesterone, such as early menstruation, late menopause, or hormone replacement therapy, can increase the risk


    Treatment

    1. Surgery:

      The mainstay of treatment for ILC is usually surgical removal of the tumor. This can involve either breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) or complete removal of the breast (mastectomy). In some cases, lymph nodes in the armpit (axillary lymph nodes) may also be removed for examination.


    2. Surgery:

      The mainstay of treatment for ILC is usually surgical removal of the tumor. This can involve either breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) or complete removal of the breast (mastectomy). In some cases, lymph nodes in the armpit (axillary lymph nodes) may also be removed for examination.


    3. Hormonal therapy:

      Since ILC is hormone receptor-positive in many cases, hormonal therapy is commonly used. This treatment aims to block the effects of estrogen or lower estrogen levels in the body. Medications such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors may be prescribed to reduce the risk of recurrence or to treat advanced cases.


    4. Chemotherapy:

      In some cases, chemotherapy may be recommended, especially if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other distant sites. Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells throughout the body.


  4. Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)

    5. Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS), also known as lobular neoplasia, is a condition characterized by abnormal cell growth in the milk-producing glands (lobules) of the breast. Unlike invasive breast cancer, LCIS does not invade the surrounding breast tissue or spread to other parts of the body. LCIS is considered a marker of increased breast cancer risk rather than actual cancer, as it does not form a tumor or cause symptoms

    Causes

    1. Hormonal factors:

      LCIS is believed to be influenced by hormonal imbalances, particularly high levels of estrogen. Factors such as early menstruation, late menopause, hormone replacement therapy, and never having given birth may contribute to hormonal fluctuations and increase the risk of LCIS


    2. Genetic factors:

      Inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are known to increase the risk of LCIS. These gene mutations are also associated with a higher risk of developing invasive breast cancer.


    3. Personal or family history:

      Having a personal history of LCIS or a family history of breast cancer can increase the risk of developing LCIS. Women with LCIS in one breast have an increased risk of developing breast cancer in either breast.


    Treatment

    1. Regular breast screening:

      Women diagnosed with LCIS are often advised to undergo regular breast screening, including mammograms and clinical breast exams. This helps detect any changes in the breast tissue early and allows for timely intervention if necessary.


    2. Hormonal therapy:

      Since LCIS is often hormone receptor-positive, hormonal therapy may be recommended to reduce the risk of developing invasive breast cancer. Medications like selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) or aromatase inhibitors can be prescribed to lower estrogen levels or block estrogen receptor activity.


    3. Risk-reducing surgeries:

      Some women at high risk of developing invasive breast cancer may choose to undergo risk-reducing surgeries, such as bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (removal of both breasts) or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes). These surgeries can significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in the future.


    4. Lifestyle modifications:

      Adopting a healthy lifestyle can contribute to reducing the risk of breast cancer. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco.


  5. Papillary Carcinoma

    6. Papillary Carcinoma is a type of cancer that can occur in various organs, including the thyroid, breast, kidney, and bladder. It is characterized by the presence of finger-like projections (papillae) in the tumor. Here, we will focus on Papillary Carcinoma of the thyroid, which is the most common type of thyroid cancer.

    Causes

    1. Radiation exposure:

      Exposure to high levels of radiation, especially during childhood, increases the risk of developing Papillary Carcinoma of the thyroid. This can result from radiation therapy for childhood cancers, nuclear accidents, or exposure to radiation during diagnostic imaging.


    2. Gender and age:

      Females are more commonly affected by Papillary Carcinoma of the thyroid than males. The cancer often occurs in people between the ages of 30 and 50, although it can develop at any age.


    3. Genetic factors:

      Some inherited genetic mutations, such as mutations in the RET gene or in genes associated with familial syndromes like Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2 (MEN2), increase the risk of developing Papillary Carcinoma of the thyroid.


    Treatment

    1. Surgery:

      The primary treatment for Papillary Carcinoma of the thyroid is often a thyroidectomy, which involves the surgical removal of the thyroid gland. The extent of surgery may vary, ranging from removal of only the affected lobe (lobectomy) to removal of the entire thyroid gland (total thyroidectomy). Lymph nodes in the neck may also be removed if they are involved.


    2. Radioactive iodine therapy:

      After surgery, radioactive iodine therapy may be recommended to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue and cancer cells. Papillary Carcinoma cells often take up iodine, allowing the radioactive iodine to target and kill the remaining cancer cells.


    3. Thyroid hormone therapy:

      Since the thyroid gland is removed, lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy is typically required to maintain normal hormone levels in the body. This involves taking synthetic thyroid hormone medication, usually in the form of levothyroxine, to replace the hormones that the thyroid would normally produce.


    4. Surveillance and follow-up:

      Regular monitoring and follow-up with medical professionals are essential to assess the effectiveness of treatment, detect any recurrence, and manage potential long-term side effects.


  6. Inflammatory Breast Cancer

    7. Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that accounts for a small percentage of all breast cancer cases. It is called "inflammatory" because the breast often appears swollen, red, and inflamed, resembling an infection.

    Causes

    1. Gender:

      Inflammatory Breast Cancer is more common in women than in men. It can occur at any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in women in their 40s and 50s


    2. Genetic factors:

      Inherited gene mutations, such as mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, can increase the risk of developing IBC. However, most cases of IBC do not have a strong hereditary component


    3. Hormonal factors:

      Hormonal factors, such as increased levels of estrogen or progesterone, may play a role in the development of IBC. However, the relationship between hormonal factors and IBC is not fully understood.


    Treatment

    1. Chemotherapy:

      Chemotherapy is usually the first-line treatment for IBC. It involves the use of powerful drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy is often administered before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink the tumor, and it is typically followed by additional chemotherapy after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.


    2. Surgery:

      Surgery is an important part of the treatment for IBC. It usually involves a mastectomy, which is the removal of the affected breast tissue. In some cases, nearby lymph nodes may also be removed. In selected cases where the tumor responds well to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) may be considered.


    3. Radiation therapy:

      After surgery, radiation therapy may be recommended to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to target and kill cancer cells.


    4. Hormonal therapy:

      In hormone receptor-positive IBC, hormonal therapy may be used to block the effects of estrogen or lower estrogen levels. This may involve medications such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors.