Breast cancer is the result of cells within the breast tissue developing genetic mutations that cause the cells to divide and grow uncontrollably. There are two main types of breast cancer: ductal carcinoma and lobular carcinoma. Ductal carcinoma begins in the ducts that bring milk from the breast to the nipple. It's the most common form of breast cancer.
Step 1
Have the cancerous tissue removed. Ductal carcinoma can either be removed via a lumpectomy (in which only part of the breast is removed) or a mastectomy (in which the entire breast is removed). Surgical options are determined by how widespread the carcinoma is and if it can be safely removed.
Step 2
Receive radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high doses of X-rays to damage and kill cancerous cells. It's typically administered after surgery to help remove any remaining cancerous tissue.
Step 3
Get hormone therapy. Ductal carcinoma arises from breast tissue cells, which can respond to hormones. Estrogen causes breast tissue to grow and divide. Tamoxifen, which blocks the effects of estrogen, and exemestane (a drug that estops estrogen production) have both been successfully used to treat ductal carcinoma.
Step 4
Undergo targeted therapy, such as taking trastuzumab. Targeted therapy, also called biologic therapy, uses medications that specifically detect changes in some cancer cells. Sometimes these medications bind to these unusual cellular elements and stop the cancerous cells from dividing. Other times, these medications activate the immune system and cause white blood cells to attack the cancer.
