Breast cancer. Just hearing the words can bring a wave of emotions—fear, confusion, determination. But here’s the thing: not all breast cancers are the same. In fact, there are several distinct types, each with its own behaviour, risk factors, and treatment strategies. So, what are these types? And why does it matter which one someone is diagnosed with?
Let’s explore them, one by one, in language that makes sense—because knowledge is power.
Understanding the Basics: What Is Breast Cancer?
At its core, breast cancer begins when cells in the breast start to grow uncontrollably. These cells usually form a tumour that can be seen on an X-ray or felt as a lump. But did you know there are different places in the breast where cancer can start?
- Milk ducts (the tubes that carry milk to the nipple)
- Lobules (glands that produce milk)
- Other breast tissue
Depending on where the cancer starts and how it behaves, doctors classify it into different types. And yes, some are more aggressive than others.
Invasive vs. Non-Invasive Breast Cancer: What’s the Difference?
Let’s start with a simple question: Has the cancer spread beyond its original spot? If the answer is no, it’s considered non-invasive or in situ. If yes, then it’s invasive.
Think of non-invasive as a fire contained to one room. Invasive? That’s when it starts spreading to other parts of the house.
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): The Early Form
DCIS is the most common type of non-invasive breast cancer. It starts in the milk ducts but hasn’t spread into the surrounding tissue.
- It’s often found during routine mammograms.
- If untreated, DCIS can eventually turn into invasive cancer.
The good news? When caught early, the outlook is excellent.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The Most Common Type
IDC accounts for about 80% of all breast cancer diagnoses. It starts in the ducts and invades nearby tissue.
Symptoms might include:
- A new lump
- Changes in the breast shape
- Nipple discharge
IDC can spread to lymph nodes and beyond, so early detection is crucial. But don’t panic—many people with IDC respond well to treatment.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): A Sneaky Subtype
ILC is the second most common invasive breast cancer. It begins in the lobules (milk-producing glands) and spreads into nearby tissue.
Here’s the tricky part: it doesn’t always form a lump. Sometimes, it causes a general thickening or a subtle change in breast texture—which makes it easy to miss.
Have you ever felt something was “off” but couldn’t explain why? That’s often how ILC presents.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Aggressive but Treatable
This one sounds a little technical, but it’s important. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) doesn’t have estrogen, progesterone, or HER2 receptors. That means it doesn’t respond to hormonal therapy or HER2-targeted drugs.
It tends to:
- Grow quickly
- Affect younger women
- Be more common in Black women
But with early diagnosis and the right treatment—often chemotherapy—there is hope.
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: What Sets It Apart?
HER2 is a protein that helps cancer cells grow. In about 1 in 5 breast cancers, there’s too much of it. That’s HER2-positive breast cancer.
It used to have a poor prognosis, but not anymore. Thanks to targeted drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin), many people now have great outcomes.
Isn’t it amazing how one discovery can change everything?
Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer: Driven by Estrogen or Progesterone
This type of cancer feeds on hormones like estrogen and progesterone. It means:
- It grows more slowly
- It responds well to hormone-blocking medications like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors
It’s one of the most treatable forms, especially when detected early.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Rare and Fast-Moving
Have you ever seen skin that looks red, swollen, and dimpled like an orange peel? That’s a classic sign of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC).
- It doesn’t form a lump.
- It blocks lymph vessels in the skin.
- It moves fast and often appears in younger women.
Because it doesn’t look like “typical” breast cancer, it’s often misdiagnosed—at first. But once caught, aggressive treatment can make a big difference.
Paget’s Disease of the Breast: More Than Skin Deep
This rare cancer starts in the nipple and spreads to the areola. Symptoms often mimic skin conditions:
- Itching
- Redness
- Flaking skin
If you’ve tried treating what looks like eczema on the nipple and it doesn’t go away, it’s time to get it checked.
Male Breast Cancer: Yes, It Happens
Surprised? Many people are. Although rare, men can get breast cancer too. Symptoms are similar:
- Lumps
- Nipple changes
- Swelling
Because men don’t expect it, they often delay seeing a doctor. But the earlier it’s diagnosed, the better the outcome.
Metastatic Breast Cancer: When It Spreads
Also known as Stage IV, metastatic breast cancer means it has spread to other parts of the body:
- Bones
- Lungs
- Liver
- Brain
Even though it’s not considered curable, it is treatable. People can live many meaningful years with the right care.
Rare Subtypes You Should Know
Some types don’t fit the usual mould. Ever heard of:
- Medullary carcinoma?
- Mucinous (colloid) carcinoma?
- Tubular carcinoma?
- Papillary carcinoma?
These are rare but often come with better prognoses. Knowing they exist helps patients and doctors make informed choices.
How Are These Types Diagnosed?
How does a doctor figure out what kind of breast cancer it is?
- Biopsy: Removes a sample of tissue for testing
- Imaging: Mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI
- Receptor testing: Checks for hormone and HER2 status
These steps help guide treatment. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach—and that’s a good thing.
Why Knowing Your Type Matters
You wouldn’t wear shoes that don’t fit, right? The same idea applies to cancer treatment. Understanding your specific type helps your healthcare team choose the right therapies, set realistic expectations, and give you the best chance at recovery.
And when you know more, you feel more in control. That, in itself, is empowering.
References:
- “Types of Breast Cancer,” American Cancer Society, 2023. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/types-of-breast-cancer.html
- “Breast Cancer Types: What You Need to Know,” Mayo Clinic, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/in-depth/breast-cancer/art-20045375
- “Understanding Breast Cancer Subtypes,” BreastCancer.org, 2023. https://www.breastcancer.org/types
- “HER2-Positive Breast Cancer,” Cancer Research UK, 2022. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/types/her2-positive