Types of Breast Cancer
There are several types of breast cancer, with each defined by the specific breast cells that become cancerous. These include:
This cancer starts in your breast milk ducts before spreading through the walls and into surrounding tissue. This is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for 80 percent of cases.
This is also called Stage 0 breast cancer because the cancerous cells have not yet spread beyond the milk ducts. If detected early, treatment usually prevents spread to other tissues.
This cancer starts in the breast lobules – where milk production happens – before spreading to surrounding tissue. This represents 10 percent to 15 percent of breast cancers.
This is a precancerous condition that occurs before abnormal cells spread beyond the breast lobules. While not a true cancer, it indicates the potential for breast cancer and should lead to regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.
This is an aggressive type of invasive breast cancer that is one of the most difficult to treat. It is called triple negative because it lacks three markers associated with other breast cancers.
This is a rare breast cancer that blocks lymph vessels in the skin, causing the breast to look inflamed or infected.
This is a rare cancer that starts in the breast ducts and spreads to the skin of your nipple and areola.
This extremely rare cancer starts in cells that line your blood vessels or lymph vessels before spreading to breast tissue or skin. It may be related to previous radiation therapy in the area.
These tumors start in breast connective tissue but are rarely malignant.
This rare cancer forms in the breast tissue of men, most commonly after the age of 60.
Symptoms
Breast cancer symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Some people may exhibit no symptoms. Warnings signs include:
A lump or thickening of tissue in the breast or armpit
A newly inverted nipple
Nipple discharge other than breast milk
Irritated or dimpled breast skin
Change in breast size, shape or appearance
Pain in any area of the breast
Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area
Pain the nipple area
