Expert Care and Support
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, please know that you are not alone – we are here for you. The breast care team at Orlando Health Cancer Institute is here to support you throughout your journey to recovery. Our compassionate experts are dedicated to giving you personalized care and treatment that is tailored to your unique needs.
Our highly trained experts have been treating breast cancer for more than 35 years. We pioneered multidisciplinary care 15 years ago, which brings together the strengths of numerous specialists to treat even the most complicated cases of breast cancer. Our nationally accredited team includes medical, surgical and radiation oncologists; pathologists; rehabilitation specialists and reconstructive surgeons. We use the latest diagnostic tools, next-level treatments, a comprehensive plastic surgery program and clinical trials with access to advanced treatments.
We provide a full range of clinical support services for your treatment and to manage your symptoms. This includes genetic counseling, nutritional guidance, physical and lymphedema therapy, psychological counseling, express symptom management program and virtual visits, and oncology nurse navigators who will guide you through your care journey. Throughout your treatment, we will manage your symptoms so you can feel better. And our team understands the importance of getting treatment close to home, so we offer high-quality care throughout Central Florida. Together, we will work to create a treatment plan for your journey toward healing and recovery.
Types of Breast Cancer
There are several types of breast cancer, with each defined by the specific breast cells that become cancerous. These include:
Infiltrating (invasive) ductal carcinoma
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.
Ductal carcinoma in situ
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.
Infiltrating (invasive) lobular carcinoma
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.
Lobular carcinoma in situ
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.
Triple negative breast cancer
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.
Inflammatory breast cancer
This is a rare breast cancer that blocks lymph vessels in the skin, causing the breast to look inflamed or infected.
Paget's disease of the breast
This is a rare cancer that starts in the breast ducts and spreads to the skin of your nipple and areola.
Angiosarcoma
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.
Phyllodes tumors of the breast
These tumors start in breast connective tissue but are rarely malignant.
Male breast cancer
This rare cancer forms in the breast tissue of men, most commonly after the age of 60.
Risk Factors
There are several factors that have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. These include:
- Age: If you’re 55 or older
- Sex: If you’re a woman
- Family history: If you have parents, siblings or children who have been diagnosed
- Genetics: If you have certain genetic mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2)
- Smoking: If you smoked for many years or currently smoke
- Drinking Alcohol: Your risk goes up the more you drink
- Excess weight: Being overweight or obese
- Radiation exposure: If you’ve had radiation to your head, neck or chest
- Hormone replacement therapy: If you’ve used this to treat menopause symptoms
- Early menstruation: Before age 12
- Late menopause: After age 50
- Age at first pregnancy: If you had your first child after the age of 30, or if you never had children
Meet the Breast Cancer Care Team
As members of your greater cancer care team at the Cancer Institute, we work to deliver outstanding care and the best possible outcome.
-
Clinical Trials
When appropriate, we also offer our patients the option to participate in clinical trials to try a promising new medical drug or other treatment.
-
Diagnosis and Treatments
Making treatment decisions can be overwhelming. Our promise is to work with you to find the best treatment plan for you or your loved one.
-
Request an Appointment
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, our highly specialized team is ready to evaluate you and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Get Your Free Guide to Understanding Breast Cancer
From the moment, you receive a breast cancer diagnosis, your life is changed forever. At Orlando Health Cancer Institute we understand the range of emotions you feel and your need for the very best information so you can make important choices about your care and treatment.
In our free Guide to Understanding Breast Cancer, you will find helpful information, including the following: overview of breast cancer, symptoms and risk factors, details about diagnosis and holistic treatment options provided by our team of oncologists.
Navigate Your Health
Find a Cancer Physician
Find a Cancer Physician
Meet our doctors who specialize in the full range of cancer care. Our team of experts has experience in a variety of specialty areas. Together, we provide comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment options.
Learn More
Patient Portal
Patient Portal
If you are a patient at Orlando Health Cancer Institute, our free online patient portal provides an easy and secure way to manage your health information. Reach us from any location at a time that’s convenient for you.
Learn More
Virtual Visit
Virtual Visit
Need to talk with a doctor, but don’t want to leave your home? Try our virtual visit (telehealth) option to connect with a physician from your phone, tablet or computer.
Learn More