Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. It can occur in both men and women, but it is far more common in women. This uncontrolled cell growth can lead to the formation of a mass or lump. If left untreated, breast cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system.
Types of Breast Cancer
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS):
This is an early stage of breast cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct but have not spread to surrounding tissues.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC):
The most common type of breast cancer. In this form, cancer cells spread from the ducts to nearby breast tissue. Most invasive breast cancers fall under the category of “No Special Type (NST)” because they have no unique features.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC):
This type of cancer starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules) and can spread to nearby tissues. It is the second most common type of breast cancer and generally does not present as a lump.
Triple negative breast cancer:
This type of breast cancer lacks receptors for the hormones estrogen and progesterone and doesn’t have the protein called “Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2” (HER2). It is more difficult to treat because it doesn’t respond to hormone therapies.
Inflammatory breast cancer:
This is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. The breast may appear red, swollen and feel warm to the touch.
Paget’s disease of the breast:
This is a rare condition affecting the nipple and often associated with breast cancer. It may cause changes to the skin of the nipple, such as crusting or scaling. This is also called Paget’s disease of the nipple.
Breast cancer in men:
Men can also get breast cancer, though it is very rare. The types of breast cancer that can occur in men include DCIS, invasive lobular carcinoma, and Paget’s disease of the breast.
Related breast conditions that are not breast cancer:
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS):
LCIS is not breast cancer. It means that some cells in the milk-producing lobules of the breast have started to look abnormal, but they haven’t spread outside the lobules. However, this condition can increase the risk of developing breast cancer in the future.
Intraductal papilloma:
This is a non-cancerous (benign) condition where a small growth develops in the breast ducts. It is not cancer.
Atypical hyperplasia in a breast lump:
Atypical hyperplasia means that breast cells are growing in number and have an abnormal shape, but it is not cancer. However, this condition can increase the risk of developing breast cancer in the future.
Symptoms of breast cancer:
Lump or mass:
The most common sign, is a painless lump or mass in the breast or underarm. Not all lumps are cancerous, but any new or unusual lump should be checked by a healthcare provider.
Changes in breast size or shape:
Breast cancer can cause noticeable changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast.
Changes in skin texture:
Dimpling, redness, or other changes in the texture of the breast skin may be signs of breast cancer.
Nipple changes:
Changes in the nipple, like it turning inward (inverted), discharge that isn’t breast milk, or changes in the skin around the nipple, can indicate breast cancer.
Breast pain:
While not always a symptom of breast cancer, ongoing breast pain or discomfort should be checked by a doctor, if this is unusual to normal menstrual breast pain.
Unexplained weight loss:
In advanced stages, sudden weight loss and fatigue might happen.
Swelling in the breast or underarm:
Swelling or enlargement in the breast or underarm could be a symptom of breast cancer.
Changes in breast appearance:
Regular self-exams of the breasts can help detect any changes in the breast tissue.
Not all symptoms mean breast cancer, and some people may not notice any symptoms in the early stages. Early detection through regular screenings, such as mammograms and clinical breast exams, is important for better outcomes. If you notice any concerning changes, consult a healthcare professional for a complete evaluation and testing.
Contributors
This section has been written in collaboration with Servicio de Salud de Castilla La Mancha (SESCAM) (Clinical Leads of the MammoWave Trial) (https://sanidad.castillalamancha.es/), The Associação EVITA – Cancro Hereditário (EVITA) (Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Leads) (https://evitacancro.org/en/) and the support of Siobhan Freeney (Patient Advisory Group Chair of MammoScreen)
References
Cancer Research UK – Types of breast cancer and related breast conditions
www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/types
Last accessed: 27/03/2024
Europa Donna – Secondary prevention and early detection
www.europadonna.org/prevention-and-breast-health/secondary-prevention-and-early-detection/
Last accessed: 27/03/2024