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Types of Breast Cancer: Key Differences and Risk Factors
By Prashant Baghel
One of the most prevalent cancers in women is breast cancer, which is uncommon in men. Patients, physicians, and caregivers can better understand treatment options and risks when they are aware of the various types of breast cancer and their differences. This article describes the primary types of breast cancer, their differences, and risk factors (things that raise the chances).
What is breast cancer?
When healthy breast cells undergo abnormal growth and change, breast cancer develops. A tumor or mass may develop from these cells. Cancer cells have two possible outcomes: they can either remain in the breast or spread (metastasize) to other body parts, such as bones or lymph nodes.
Breast cancers are often named according to their characteristics (growth behavior, hormone sensitivity) or where they begin (part of the breast). Let's examine the primary forms of breast cancer.
Types of breast cancer
1. In Situ Ductal Carcinoma (DCIS)
- DCIS indicates that although cancer cells are present in the milk ducts (the milk-carrying tubes), they have not spread to the surrounding tissues.
- It is frequently referred to as a pre-invasive or non-invasive cancer.
- DCIS is frequently curable with positive results because the cells haven't spread.
- DCIS has the potential to progress into invasive cancer if left untreated.
2. Ductal Carcinoma Invasive (IDC)
- This kind of breast cancer is the most prevalent.
- Here, aberrant cells originate in the milk ducts but have infiltrated the surrounding breast tissue after rupturing the duct wall.
- These cancers have the potential to spread to other body parts via blood or lymph nodes.
3. Lobular Invasive Carcinoma (ILC)
- Milk-producing glands called lobules are the starting point for invasive lobular cancers, which subsequently spread to neighboring breast tissue.
- They may be more difficult to spot in imaging since they frequently grow more subtly.
- Compared to ductal cancers, they typically spread differently.
4. Triple-negative Breast cancer
- "Triple-negative" describes cancer cells that lack the three common receptors: HER2, progesterone receptor (PR), and estrogen receptor (ER).
- Treatments that target HER2 or hormone therapy are ineffective for these cancers because they lack those receptors.
- They frequently grow faster and might require chemotherapy.
- This is a subtype based on receptor status rather than a starting location type (ductal or lobular).
5. Breast Cancer with HER2 Positive Status
- The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein is overexpressed or present in excess in these cancer cells.
- Cancer grows more aggressively when HER2 is present.
- However, HER2 is a targetable protein, so this type can be treated with special medications called HER2 blockers.
6. Positive Hormone Receptor (ER/PR)
- These cancers contain progesterone and/or estrogen receptors.
- They often grow more slowly and react favorably to hormone therapies, which are medications that stop the action of hormones.
- If these receptors are expressed, many ductal or lobular cancers belong to this category.
7. Breast Cancer with Inflammation
- Aggressive but uncommon.
- Cancer cells obstruct lymph vessels in the breast's skin, resulting in warm, red, and swollen skin.
- Without a visible lump, the breast may appear "inflamed."
- Early diagnosis is essential because it spreads quickly.
Important Differences Between Types of Breast Cancer
There are different kinds of breast cancer, and they all grow, spread, and respond to treatment in different ways. The type of cancer is one of the most important differences. It can be either non-invasive or invasive. For instance, DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) is not invasive, which means it stays inside the milk ducts. Invasive cancers, on the other hand, spread beyond the ducts or lobules into nearby tissue and possibly other parts of the body.
The receptor status is another important difference. Some breast cancers have receptors for hormones like estrogen (ER) or progesterone (PR), or a protein called HER2. These are important because they help decide what kind of treatment to give. Targeted therapies can help treat cancers that are hormone receptor-positive or HER2-positive. However, triple-negative breast cancer is harder to treat and usually more aggressive because it doesn't have any of these receptors.
When it comes to aggressiveness, cancers that are triple-negative or HER2-positive tend to grow and spread faster. DCIS grows slowly and is often found early. If invasive types are not found in time, they can spread to the lymph nodes, bones, liver, or lungs. There are also different ways to treat DCIS and invasive cancers.
DCIS is usually treated with surgery and maybe radiation, while invasive cancers may need chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted drugs depending on their receptor status. Also, the ways of finding DCIS and invasive cancers are different. For example, DCIS is often found on a mammogram before any symptoms show up, while invasive cancers may be found through changes in the body, lumps, or advanced imaging. Doctors can make the best treatment plan for each patient by knowing about these differences.
Breast cancer risk factors
Features or exposures that raise the risk of breast cancer are known as risk factors. However, many cancer patients do not have any clear risk factors, and having risk factors does not ensure cancer. I categorize them into two groups: modifiable/lifestyle and non-modifiable (cannot change).
Non-modifiable risk factors
The age:
Women are more at risk as they age. Women over 50 are most likely to develop breast cancer.
Gender:
The risk is significantly higher for women than for men.
Mutations in genes and family history:
Risk is greatly increased by certain inherited gene mutations, particularly those involving BRCA1 and BRCA2. The risk is higher if a mother, sister, or daughter has breast cancer.
Hormone exposure and reproductive history
A longer lifetime exposure to hormones results from beginning menstruation very early (before the age of 12) or delaying menopause until after the age of 55.
Risk may be increased by never having a full pregnancy or by having the first full pregnancy later in life.
Thick breast tissue
More glandular and fibrous tissue compared to fat in the breasts increases risk and can make tumors more difficult to find.
A history of radiation to the chest
A person's risk rises if they received radiation to the chest early in life (for another condition).
Modifiable or Lifestyle risk factors that can be changed
By altering one's surroundings or habits, one can affect these factors.
Obesity/weight
Being overweight or obese after menopause increases the risk because fat tissue produces estrogen.
Lack of exercise
Less active women are more vulnerable.
Use of alcohol
Alcohol use raises the risk of breast cancer. The risk increases with alcohol consumption.
Using birth control and hormone replacement therapy
Long-term use of hormone therapy, particularly combined estrogen + progesterone, during menopause may raise risk. According to some research, using some oral contraceptives may slightly raise your risk.
Absence of breastfeeding
Women who choose not to breastfeed may be at slightly higher risk; breastfeeding has some protective effects.
Take Charge of Your Breast Health Today
Understanding the types of breast cancer and their risk factors is the first step toward early detection and better outcomes. Whether it’s a non-invasive form like DCIS or a more aggressive type like triple-negative breast cancer, knowing the differences helps guide the right treatment. While some risk factors like age and genetics can't be changed, living a healthy lifestyle can significantly lower your chances of developing breast cancer.
If you or a loved one needs expert care, trust Oncare Hospital, a leading center for breast cancer treatment. With advanced diagnostics, experienced oncologists, and personalized care plans, Oncare is dedicated to helping you fight cancer with confidence. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward hope, healing, and a healthier future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) is the most prevalent kind; it begins in the milk ducts and spreads to neighboring tissue.
DCIS is currently non-invasive, but if treatment is not received, it may eventually progress to invasive cancer.
Lack of HER2 or estrogen receptors in the cancer cells renders hormone or HER2-targeted therapies ineffective.
Yes, you should keep a healthy weight, be active, drink in moderation, try to breastfeed, and refrain from using hormone therapy for an extended period of time without first consulting a doctor.
A mutation in either BRCA1 or BRCA2 increases your risk significantly, but it does not ensure that you will develop breast cancer. A large number of individuals with mutations never get the illness.
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