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Breast Cancer
What is it?
Each month, a woman's breast goes through changes associated with menstruation that can cause a lump to form. While the majority of these lumps are benign (or non-cancerous), each lump should be examined. Lumps are most commonly formed in breast tissue lobules, (small sacs that produce milk), or the ducts that carry milk to the nipple. However, lumps can also form in other breast tissue.
When a lump is found to be malignant, breast cancer is diagnosed. Breast cancer is divided into two main categories: lobular and ductal carcinomas. Breast cancer is also categorizes as non-invasive or invasive.
Breast cancer typically starts with the formation of a small confined tumor. Some tumors are benign, thus not invading other tissue; other are malignant or cancerous. These malignant tumors have the ability to metastasize, which means they spread to other tissues or regions in the body. The larger a tumor grows, the more likely it is that small pieces or cells will break off and spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymph system. Different types of breast cancer grow and spread at different rates; some may take years, while others may grow and spread much more quickly.
Four Main Types of Breast Cancer Exist:
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): Invasive ductal carcinoma (also known as IDC) is the most common form of invasive breast cancer accounting for 75 percent of all invasive breast cancers. These tumors commonly spread to lymph nodes in the armpits. IDC is typically an aggressive cancer and has an increased risk of death compared to other types of invasive breast cancers. IDC metastasizes commonly to different areas of the body including bone, the liver, lung or brain
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Another type of invasive breast cancer is known as invasive lobular carcinoma (or ILC), which accounts for 5 to 10% of breast tumors. ILC more commonly spreads or metastasizes to unusual sites such as the layers that cover the brain and surfaces that cover organs.
Ductal Carcinomna In Situ (DCIS): A form of breast cancer that is non-invasive is known as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). DCIS is the most common type of non-invasive breast cancer and is diagnosed when cancerous cells line the ducts in the breast. "In situ" means that the cancer cells have not spread beyond the ducts. However DCIS can progress and become invasive, especially if not detected early. Most cases of DCIS cannot be felt as lumps or masses but will show up on mammograms?one reason why regular mammograms are a must.
Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS): Lobular carcinoma in situ (or LCIS) is another form of non-invasive breast cancer. LCIS is a benign tumor that consists of abnormal cells in the lining of the lobule. "In situ" means that the abnormal cells have not spread beyond the lobules. LCIS is not actually considered cancer?it is generally thought to be a 'pre-cancer." LCIS will typically not show up on a mammogram. The only means of detecting LCIS is by taking sample of the suspected tissue and examining it in a lab. It is currently unclear whether or not LCIS progresses to cancer.
Breast cancers, just like other cancers are also categorized or "staged" based on the following system called the "TNM" rating:
- A "T" refers to the size of the tumor. Tumors are graded on a scale of one to four, with four being the most advanced.
- An "N" refers to how much the cancer has affected the lymph nodes, which exist throughout the body. Lymph node involvement is graded on a scale of zero to three, with three having the most lymph node involvement.
- An "M" rating is used to identify if the cancer has spread, which is referred to as "metastasized." Metastases are assigned a zero if the tumor has not spread or a one if it has.
Once the cancer begins to spread, getting rid of it completely is more difficult, although treatment can often control the disease for years. Improved screening procedures and treatment options mean that at least seven out of 10 women with breast cancer will survive more than five years after initial diagnosis, and half will survive more than 10 years.
Fortunately, breast cancer is very treatable if detected early. Localized tumors can usually be treated successfully before the cancer spreads; and in nine in 10 cases, the woman will live at least another five years. Experts usually consider a five-year survival to be a cure.
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What is it?
