5 Things You Need to Know About Breast Tumors

1. Tumors of the Milk Ducts

Ductal carcinoma in-situ is a non-invasive type of breast cancer limited to the milk ducts of the breast. Doctors detect these tumors during routine mammograms. Since this type of tumor doesn't extend beyond the milk ducts, it is highly curable. Treatment often includes surgery, radiation therapy and or hormone replacement therapy. If the tumor is small enough, doctors may do a lumpectomy. When tumors are large or there are multiple tumors, treatment often involves mastectomy. Radiation therapy sometimes follows surgery.

2. The Lobular Tumor

Lobular carcinoma in situ is a tumor of the breast's lobules, which are milk-producing glands. This type of tumor isn't detected through a breast exam or mammogram; instead, discovery often occurs by accident during a biopsy. While this type of tumor isn't actually referred to as a cancer, it does warrant concern, since it increases the risk for developing subsequent tumors. Treatment isn't typically necessary; however, most doctors recommend biannual breast exams and annual mammograms. Occasionally, women opt to proceed with chemoprevention therapy or preventative surgery. This decision depends on the women's personal preference and medical history.

3. Infiltrating Tumors

Most women diagnosed with breast tumors have an infiltrating tumor known as invasive ductal carcinoma. These tumors start in the milk ducts, but subsequently spread to surrounding breast tissue and other tissues. Another, type of infiltrating tumor is the invasive lobular tumor, which begins in the lobular glands and then spreads to other parts of the breast and body. Invasive lobular carcinomas are rare, affecting approximately one in ten breast cancer patients. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and or hormone therapy, such as tamoxifen.

4. Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Inflammatory breast cancer is rare, affecting approximately 1-3% of breast cancer patients. The tumor is more likely to affect black women and slightly younger women. Women with this tumor may not notice a specific lump; however, there are changes in the appearance of the breast. Often the breast is warm to the touch, while the exterior shows significant color changes. Frequently, the skin of the breast looks pitted, like the exterior surface of an orange. The woman may notice itching and tenderness. Treatment protocol commences with chemotherapy followed by surgery and then radiation.

5. Rare Breast Tumors

The mixed tumor is a rare tumor with multiple points of origin. Another rare tumor is the mucinous carcinoma, a colloid cancer fueled by mucus-producing cancer cells. Paget disease of the nipple is a rare tumor, which starts as a ductal carcinoma and spreads to the exterior skin of nipple and areola. Other rare cancers, which are variants of ductal carcinomas, include papillary carcinoma, tubular carcinoma and metaplastic carcinoma. The phyllodes tumor is a rare tumor that starts in the breast's connective tissue. On rare occasions an angiosarcoma, which is a tumor that starts in the cells that line the blood vessels, forms in the breast.