The Different Types of Breast Cancer
There are many different types of breast cancer. Though we think of breast cancer as being one type of cancer, there are different ways it can grow. Some types are more common than others, but most of them are just as dangerous. The type of cancer you have will affect the type of treatment you will get, and will also determine how hard it is to spot. Some times lumps are obvious if you do a self-exam, but many other times there are no symptoms at all. The types listed below are a some of the more common ones.
Colloid Carcinoma: This is a form of breast cancer that is not very common. The cancer tends to grow as a tumor within the breast, and because of mucous production by this type of cancer growth, the tumor is often soft and pliable. This cancer has a better prognosis than the more common types.
Ductal Carcinoma: This type of breast cancer is confined to the milk ducts. In it’s early stage, and is one of the most treatable of all of the different types of breast cancer. If this type is left untreated, it will spread to the rest of the breast, and the situation will become more serious. Lumps may form throughout the breast, and in the worst case scenario, will enter the blood stream and move throughout the body. Once it leaves the ducts, it is considered to be in the invasive stage. Of all the types of breast cancer, this is the most common.
Inflammatory: The good news about this type of cancer (if you can call it good news) is that it is easier to spot than others, but the bad news is that it is considered to be one of the more aggressive forms. It is more visible because it blocks the lymph nodes close to the surface. You may see reddening of the skin, and the surface may take on an appearance that resembles that of an orange. Of all of the types of breast cancer, this is one of the rarest.
Lobular Carcinoma: Like Ductal Carcinoma, this type is limited to one area at first. It means there are abnormal cells in the lobular area, but it has not spread, and some believe it is not yet a serious issue. Once it begins to spread, it is harder to detect than other types of breast cancer. Once it leaves the lobular area and becomes invasive, it can spread throughout the breast and to other areas of the body.
Other less common types of breast cancer include Medullary Carcinoma, Metaplastic Carcinoma, Papillary Carcinoma, and Phylloides tumor. When you suspect you may have a problem, or something comes up on your mammogram, you will be tested to see if you have cancer, and then your doctor will tell you what type you have. Once that is determined, you will have a clearer idea of what type of treatment will be needed. There are many different types of breast cancer, but each equally scary to the woman who has it. The earlier cancer is caught the better the outlook. It might be scary to know, but early detection greatly increases your chances for survival.
No Comments