What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a condition in which abnormal cells multiply uncontrollably in the breast tissue. It can occur in one or both breasts.
Around 80% of breast cancer cases are classified as invasive, meaning the cancer has spread beyond the original tissue into other parts of the body. When cancer cells stay confined to their original location, it’s called “in situ.”
Several factors contribute to the increasing incidence of breast cancer. Interestingly, more than half of the cases occur in women with no clear risk factor other than their age and female sex. Genetic predispositions can also increase vulnerability.
One of the most common early signs is a breast lump, often noticed during routine activities or self-examination. These lumps are usually painless and might be ignored. Regular self-examinations and clinical checks are crucial for early detection.
Breast cancer typically forms a tumor mass that can be detected via:
- Mammography
- Ultrasound
- Or physically felt as a lump
Although breast cancer is most common in women, men can also develop breast cancer, albeit rarely.
Types of Breast Cancer
There are many types of breast cancer, depending on which breast cells become cancerous. Here are some of the main types:
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
DCIS is stage 0 breast cancer or intraductal carcinoma. It is a pre-invasive form, meaning the cancer cells are confined within the duct lining and haven't spread to surrounding breast tissue.
Invasive Breast Cancer
These cancers have spread beyond the ducts or lobules into surrounding breast tissue. The two most common forms are:
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
The most common type, accounting for 80% of invasive breast cancers. It begins in the milk ducts and can spread through the lymphatic system and bloodstream.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
Starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules) and is caused by DNA mutations leading to uncontrolled cell growth.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
A rare and aggressive cancer (1%–5% of cases). It blocks lymphatic vessels, leading to swelling and redness. It originates from DNA mutations in cells typically located in the milk ducts.
Paget Disease of the Breast
A rare cancer affecting the nipple and areola skin. Around 80–90% of patients also have DCIS or invasive ductal carcinoma.
Adenoid Cystic Breast Cancer
A rare subtype (less than 1%) of invasive ductal carcinoma. Cells resemble those found in salivary glands under a microscope.
Apocrine Breast Cancer
A rare subtype of invasive ductal carcinoma that develops from duct-lining cells. Its cells appear distinctly under the microscope compared to other ductal cancers.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
Accounts for 10–15% of cases. It spreads and grows faster than other breast cancer types, making it more aggressive and harder to treat.
Metastatic Breast Cancer (Stage 4)
This cancer has spread to other parts of the body—lungs, liver, bones, or brain. It spreads through the bloodstream or lymph nodes and symptoms depend on the organs affected.
Metaplastic Breast Cancer
A very rare type (less than 1%) starting in milk ducts, but with different cell types compared to typical invasive ductal carcinoma.
Causes of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer occurs when there are changes in the genetic material (DNA) of breast cells. These changes can lead to uncontrolled growth and tumor formation.
Often, the exact cause of these genetic changes is unknown. However, in some cases, the changes are inherited—passed down from parent to child. This type of breast cancer is referred to as hereditary breast cancer.
Certain genetic mutations significantly increase the risk of developing breast cancer, including:
- BRCA1 gene mutation
- BRCA2 gene mutation
Besides genetic factors, lifestyle and environmental influences also contribute to the risk of breast cancer. These may include:
- Diet and physical activity levels
- Alcohol consumption and smoking
- Hormonal exposure or therapies
- Radiation exposure
How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider may use several tools to diagnose breast cancer and determine its type:
Initial Diagnostic Tools
- Physical exam (Clinical Breast Exam - CBE): Includes checking for lumps or irregularities in the breasts and armpits.
- Medical history: To identify symptoms, family history, and risk factors.
- Imaging tests:
- Mammogram
- Ultrasound
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- Breast biopsy: A tissue sample is taken for analysis under a microscope.
- Blood chemistry tests:
- Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- Electrolyte panel
Tests to Study Cancer Cells
If tests confirm breast cancer, further testing may be done to determine the best treatment options:
- Genetic tests (e.g.,
BRCA,TP53): To identify hereditary risk and treatment targets. - HER2 test: Measures the amount of HER2 protein that controls cell growth. High levels may cause faster tumor growth.
- Hormone receptor test (Estrogen & Progesterone): If hormone receptors are high, cancer is classified as hormone receptor-positive and may respond to hormone-blocking treatments.
Staging the Cancer
Staging determines how far the cancer has spread. This helps in choosing the right treatment plan. Staging may involve:
- Additional imaging scans (CT, PET, bone scan)
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy: To check if the cancer has spread to the lymphatic system.
Rare Types of Breast Cancer
- Tubular Breast Cancer
- Cribriform Breast Cancer
- Mucinous Breast Cancer
- Medullary Breast Cancer
- Papillary Breast Cancer
- Phyllodes Tumors
Breast Cancer Symptoms
Breast cancer symptoms can vary greatly among individuals. Some people may experience noticeable signs, while others may have no symptoms at all.
Common signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:
- New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
- Swelling or thickening of part of the breast.
- Skin dimpling or irritation on the breast.
- Flaky or red skin on the breast or nipple.
- Nipple pulling inward or pain in the nipple area.
- Discharge from the nipple (other than breast milk), including blood.
- Changes in the size or shape of the breast.
- Pain in any part of the breast.
Need Medical Advice?
Schedule an appointment with your general practitioner if you experience any bothersome or unexplained symptoms. Your physician may recommend several diagnostic tests to rule out breast cancer and other health concerns.
If a tumor is confirmed, you will be referred to a gynecologist or oncologist for further evaluation and treatment planning.
Consult our gynecologists and oncologists today for more information and personalized breast cancer treatment options.
Understanding the Causes of Breast Cancer
It is often difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of breast cancer. There is no single factor responsible — rather, it typically results from a combination of lifestyle habits, genetic predispositions, and environmental influences.
We cannot predict with certainty who will develop breast cancer or what precisely might have triggered it. However, you can take proactive steps and adopt certain preventive measures to help reduce your risk.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Numerous factors increase breast cancer risk. The two significant factors are aging and being female. Breast cancer is commonly diagnosed in women who are 50 years of age or older.
Some women may develop breast cancer without being aware of any additional risk factors. Not everyone with risk factors will get breast cancer, and the impact of each risk factor varies from person to person.
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