Understanding the Types of Breast Cancer

There are a few things more difficult to deal with than breast cancer. Despite being one of the most common types of cancers and the relatively high survival rate of patients when caught early, it is nonetheless a dangerous disease that can have a considerable impact on the quality of life. After all, the treatments available change the way that we look and feel, and the fear and worry that comes with it can make it more than just a little challenging to manage daily duties and responsibilities.

The good news is that you can cope with the disease and maintain a more positive disposition by understanding it better. And in this article, we discuss the different types of breast cancer based on how medical professionals generally classify them.

Location

One of the ways in which doctors primarily classify different breast cancers is by their point of origin.  And listed below are some of these cancers and the areas in which they usually start.

1. Ductal carcinoma. As its name suggests, ductal carcinoma is a type of breast cancer that begins from the ducts, which are parts of the breasts where milk usually travels.
2. Lobular carcinoma. This type of breast cancer starts within the lobes, where the milk is produced.
3. Paget’s disease of the breast. Paget’s disease typically begins inside the nipple. Common symptoms include itching and burning, and it can also be accompanied by bleeding or oozing discharges.
4. Unlike other types of breast cancer, inflammatory cancer is usually found in the skin and doesn’t have lumps to indicate its presence.

Spread

Another way doctors classify breast cancer is by how and where the disease spreads in the body. Here are three types of breast cancer based on the spread.

1. In situ. This generally refers to a disease that stays within its point of origin. All of the above-mentioned diseases can remain in this stage.
2. Invasive. These are cancers that have moved away from the source and into nearby tissues. Once breast cancer has reached this stage, it can move to other areas of our bodies.
3. Metastatic breast cancer. If breast cancer has moved to other body parts, the disease becomes metastatic. Some medical professionals can refer to it as advanced or stage IV. While it may sound overwhelming, many people are still able to live productive and long lives.

Rare types of breast cancer

• Colloid carcinoma. Also referred to as mucinous carcinoma, this is a type of ductal and invasive breast cancer is usually not too aggressive.
• Medullary carcinoma. A type of breast cancer that bears a striking resemblance to the medulla when checked using a microscope. Common in those with breast cancer risk factor mutations.
• Tubular carcinoma. An invasive ductal type of breast cancer that is made of tubular-like structures.

Breast cancer is a dangerous disease. However, it is very treatable, especially when caught in its early stages.  Make sure you do your research, surround yourself with family and find a community that could help you with journey.

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