Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Breast cancer can be placed in two categories: invasive and noninvasive. It occurs when cells grow abnormally in the breast; that growth cannot be suppressed or turned off. Of the two forms of cancer, sarcoma and carcinoma, breast cancer is usually classified as a carcinoma that starts in the layer of tissue that lines the surface of the breast.
Noninvasive Breast Cancer
When tumors develop and remain within the superficial tissues of the breast, they are considered noninvasive and labeled as "in situ." These types of breast cancers are easy to treat as they are confined and restricted. The two main types are ductal and lobular breast cancers. Ductal breast cancer develops in the cells that line the breast ducts. Lobular cancer develops in the cells that produce milk. Women diagnosed with lobular forms in one breast have a high chance of developing cancer in the other breast.
Invasive Breast Cancer
The most severe forms of breast cancer are the invasive forms. These go past the superficial tissues and invade the deeper tissues, increasing the risk of spreading to organs. There are two main types of invasive breast cancer: ductal carcinoma and lobular carcinoma. Ductal is the more common form. It starts in the breast duct, where breast milk passes through, and invades the breast wall into the fatty tissues. It can also easily spread through the blood and lymphatic system to organs such as the lungs and brain. Lobular carcinoma starts in the breast lobules, where breast milk production takes place. It can also invade organs and can easily escape detection during a mammogram test because it causes decreased levels of calcium buildup in the breast tissues.
Other Forms of Breast Cancer
Other forms of breast cancers include medullary, adenocystic, mucinous, tubular, papillary and metaplastic carcinomas. Adenocystic and mucinous carcinomas stand a better chance of recovery after chemotherapy and radiation treatment. For most forms of breast cancers, breast removal is the best form of treatment to decrease the chance of recurrence or it spreading to other organs.
