Types of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer occurs when malignant, or cancerous, cells grow in some area of the breast. Often, that area is the breast’s ducts, which carry milk to the nipples during breastfeeding. Known as ductal carcinoma, this type makes up 85 to 90% of all breast cancers. Another 8% of breast cancers begin in the lobules, which produce milk and connect to the ducts. This type of cancer is, predictably, called lobular carcinoma. Both lobular and ductal carcinoma often manifest as a distinct lump in the breast or armpit. When discovered, these cancers may be confined to the lobules or ducts in which they began. This is known as “in situ,” which literally means “in its original place.” It is also possible that the cancer may have invaded, or spread to, surrounding breast tissue. According to the American Cancer Society, about 180,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer annually. This means that the majority of breast cancers have already begun to spread by the time they are found. While lobular and ductal carcinomas are the most common forms of breast cancer, there are others. Inflammatory breast cancer, is a rare, aggressive condition that makes up between one and 5% of breast cancer diagnoses. Rather than a distinct lump, inflammatory breast cancer is seen as sheets or nests of tissue, often manifesting as reddening and swelling of the breasts. Yet another breast cancer is called Paget’s disease of the nipple, which occurs when cancer cells collect in or around this area. Paget’s often appears as scaly, red, itchy skin surrounding the nipple. Although it accounts for less than 5% of breast cancer diagnoses, 97% of people with Pagat’s ALSO have cancer elsewhere in the breast. And although it’s not a TYPE of breast cancer, it’s important to know that -- in less than one percent of cases -- breast cancer occurs in men. Like women, men have breast tissue and the capability to make female hormones, like estrogen. As a result, they can also be diagnosed with any of these forms of breast cancer. No matter your gender, if you notice any suspicious changes in your breasts, make an appointment with your health care professional!