Let's learn about the different types of breast cancer (Types of Breast Cancer)

Many of us are scared when we hear the word 'Breast Cancer ', right? But did you know that this is not just one type of disease, there are different types of it? Knowing exactly what type of cancer you have is very important in determining what treatment you will receive. So let's talk about this very simply and in a friendly way today. Knowing these things will be a great strength for you.

Classification of cancer according to where it begins

One way doctors describe breast cancer is by where in the body it started and whether it has spread.

Simply put, most breast cancers are of the type called carcinoma. This means that they start in the tissues that line the inside of the breast and other organs. The majority of these fall into the subtype called adenocarcinoma. These are cancers that start in the milk-carrying ducts or milk-producing glands (lobules) of the breast.

Ductal Carcinoma

This is the most common type of breast cancer. It also has two main parts.

1. Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): This is the earliest stage of breast cancer. The word 'In Situ' means "where it is." This means that the cancer cells are still only inside the milk ducts. They have not spread outside. This type accounts for about 1 in 5 newly diagnosed breast cancers. The best part is that this type is almost completely curable.

2. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): This is the most common type of breast cancer . It accounts for about 80% of all breast cancers diagnosed. 'Invasive' means "aggressive." This means that the cancer cells have spread outside the milk ducts and into surrounding tissue. There are several subtypes of this type of IDC. Although they are a bit complicated, let's look at them simply.

Lobular Carcinoma

In this type, abnormal cells grow in the lining of the milk-producing glands (lobules) of the breast.

• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): This is the second most common type of breast cancer. This type of cancer starts in the breast and spreads to surrounding tissue. It can then spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes.
• Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS): Don't be alarmed by this name. Doctors don't really consider LCIS to be cancer because it doesn't spread outside the breast. However, having LCIS does mean that you have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer in the future.

Other rare types of breast cancer

These are not very common, but they are worth knowing about.

• Inflammatory breast cancer: This is a very rare (less than 5%) and severe type. Its symptoms are different from the others. Cancer cells block the lymphatic vessels in the breast. This causes the breast to swell, become red, and the skin to thicken . Sometimes the skin of the breast can take on an orange peel appearance. This type can spread quickly.
• Phyllodes Tumor: These are rare tumors that form in the connective tissue of the breast. Only 1 in 4 of them become cancerous. The rest are benign tumors.
• Angiosarcoma: This cancer develops in the lining of blood vessels and lymph vessels. It is most common in people over the age of 70.
• Paget's Disease : This is also very rare. It is a cancer that develops in the nipple and the area around it (areola). The skin of the nipple may become scaly, red, and itchy . Many people with Paget's disease also have a type of cancer called DCIS or IDC.
• Metastatic Breast Cancer: 'Metastatic' means that the cancer has spread outside the breast to other parts of the body. Doctors also call this "advanced" or "stage 4." It most commonly spreads to the liver, brain, bones, or lungs.

The important thing is that, no matter the type of cancer, the chances of recovery are much higher with early detection and proper treatment.

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Classification of cancer by genes and hormones

After you are diagnosed with breast cancer, your doctor will do some special tests on the cancer cells to see if the hormones estrogen or progesterone , or if there are specific genes, are affecting the growth of the cancer.

It is from these tests that the doctor selects the most appropriate, targeted treatment for you.

• HER2-positive: About 1 in 5 breast cancers contain a protein called HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2). This protein helps cancer cells grow. HER2-positive cancers can be more aggressive. But there are targeted therapies that target this protein, making them easier to treat.

• Hormone Receptor-positive or negative: Some cancer cells have special places (receptors) on their surface that hormones can attach to. Think of the cell as a door, and these receptors are like the keyholes in it.
• ER-positive: Cancer cells have receptors that can bind to the hormone estrogen.
• PR-positive: Cancer cells have receptors that can bind to the hormone progesterone.
• Hormone receptor-positive means that one or both of these two are present. Because hormones help these types of cancers grow, they can be successfully treated with hormone-blocking drugs (hormone therapy).
• Hormone receptor-negative means that both of these receptors are absent.

• Triple-negative: This type accounts for about 15% of cases. As the name suggests, these cancer cells have estrogen receptors (ETRs)., progesterone receptors (PR) and HER2 are all missing. Therefore, it cannot be treated with hormonal therapy or HER2-targeted therapy. This can make treatment a bit challenging, but there are other treatments available, such as chemotherapy.

Once you know what type of cancer you have, talk openly with your doctor about how it affects your chances of recovery and what the best treatment options are. Don't be afraid to ask all the questions.