Types of Breast Cancer Explained: Symptoms, Risk, and Treatment Options

Breast cancer is among the most frequent diseases that affect women globally, and it is of utmost importance to understand its types, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options in order to detect it early and have better results. Despite the fact that most people consider breast cancer as a single disease, there are in fact several subtypes, each with distinct features, growth patterns, and treatment responses.

We aim to educate you on breast cancer through this guide, examine their initial symptoms, discuss potential causes and risk factors, and present the most recent treatment possibilities. Whether you are doing research for yourself, a family member, or for no other reason than to keep yourself updated, this guide will equip you with a profound knowledge of the disease.

What is Breast Cancer?

A breast cancer is a case when abnormal cells in the breast tissue grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumors can invade surrounding tissue and spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.

The types of breast cancer are categorized based on:

Where the cancer begins (milk ducts, lobules, or other breast tissue)
Hormone receptor status (ER-positive, PR-positive, HER2-positive, or triple-negative)
How fast the cancer grows and spreads

Knowing these categories helps in selecting the right treatment plan and predicting cancer’s progression over time.

Types of Breast Cancer

1. Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)

Non-invasive cancer where the abnormal cells are in the lining of a breast duct, but they have not spread outside the duct. It is the earliest kind of breast cancer and is very curable when found in time.
Symptoms: Generally no evident symptoms; at times, it is found on a mammogram as microcalcifications. Rarely, a woman might have nipple discharge or feel a small lump.
Risk: DCIS has the potential to become invasive if left untreated, and thus turning into a more aggressive breast cancer.
Treatment Options: In addition to surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation therapy is usually given. In some cases, hormone therapy is also used to stop the cancer from coming back.

2. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

The most common type (about 80% of cases). Cancer starts in the milk ducts and spreads to the surrounding breast tissue. Due to its high frequency, IDC is usually the first cancer type that people are introduced to.
Symptoms: Breast lump, nipple turning inside, discharge, or skin dimpling. There might also be swelling and tenderness in the area at the later stage.
Risk Factors: Risk factors include family history, obesity, prolonged estrogen exposure, and chest radiation.
Treatment Options: Doctors treat patients using surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy (HER2), immunotherapy, and radiation. Treatments are often combined for the greatest effectiveness.

3. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) begins in the milk-producing lobules and spreads to the surrounding breast tissue. It is the second most common type of invasive breast cancer, making up about 10–15% of cases.
Unique Feature: Typically, ILC is more difficult to detect on mammograms than IDC because it grows as a single-file pattern without a distinct lump.
Symptoms: Most commonly, a thickening or a feeling of fullness in a part of the breast is experienced instead of a distinct lump. Breast asymmetry or skin changes may occur in some cases.
Treatment Options: Treatments may include surgery, hormone therapy (if ER/PR positive), chemotherapy, and targeted drugs. The selection of treatment is determined by the stage and hormone receptor status of the tumor.

4. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a type of breast cancer that lacks estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) receptors. It represents 10–15% of all breast cancers and is usually more aggressive.
Signs or Symptoms: A rapidly growing mass, breast pain, nipple discharge, and swollen lymph nodes. This condition is more common in young women under 40 years of age.
Risk Factors: Mutations in the BRCA1 gene increase the risk of developing TNBC. In addition, African American and Hispanic women have a higher incidence of this type of breast cancer.
Treatment Options: Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and enrollment in clinical trials. Targeted therapies are few; however, research is progressing.

5. HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

Cancer cells are characterized by a protein called HER2 on their surface in high quantities, which facilitates their growth. Hence, these cancers develop and disseminate at a faster pace than those negative for HER2.
Symptoms: The symptomatology is nearly identical to other breast cancers, e.g., breast lumps and nipple changes, but tumors are often quicker to advance.
Treatment Options: Employing targeted therapy chemotherapy, and radiation. The prognosis of HER2-positive cancer has become almost unrecognizable from the past, with the advent of modern drugs.

6. Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

Inflammatory breast cancer is rare and very aggressive, usually stopping lymph vessels in the breast skin. Only 1-5% of all breast cancer cases are represented by it, but it has a rapid pace of spreading.
Symptoms: Redness, swelling, warmth, and skin thickening (peau d’orange) are typical symptoms, and usually, there is no lump. Signs may happen suddenly and worsen in weeks.
Risk Factors: The likelihood is higher among obese and African American women. The stage is usually late when they diagnose.
Treatment Options: Doctors start with chemotherapy to shrink the cancer, then surgery and radiation follow. The first line of therapy is usually removal of the tumor by mastectomy, combined with radiation and chemotherapy.

7. Paget’s Disease of the Breast

A rare kind of cancer that starts in the milk ducts and then extends to the skin of the nipple and areola. Usually, it is linked with an underlying DCIS or invasive cancer.
Symptoms: The affected breast nipple may be red, scaly, and itchy, which is often misdiagnosed as eczema or dermatitis. Nipple discharge or pain may also be present in these patients.
Treatment Options: Besides surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy) and radiation, systemic therapy is used if invasive cancer is found.

8. Medullary Carcinoma

A unique histologic subtype of invasive ductal carcinoma characterized by cells with features resembling nervous tissue under the microscope.
Symptoms: Usually manifests as a soft, fleshy mass that is palpably different from typical hard tumors. It might increase in size rapidly, yet has a lower tendency to metastasize.
Treatment Options: The standard approach involves surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. In most cases, patient response is favorable in comparison to the more aggressive types of cancer.

9. Mucinous (Colloid) Carcinoma

An Uncommon type of cancer that is characterized by the production of mucus by the tumor cells, giving a soft or gelatinous appearance to the tumor.
Symptoms: In most cases, it manifests as a gradual enlargement of the breast, which is usually more apparent on self-examination. The outlook is typically more positive compared to other invasive breast cancers.
Treatment modalities: Surgery, hormonal therapy (if the receptors are positive), and radiotherapy are the mainstays of treatment. Due to a good prognosis, chemotherapy is less frequently used.

10. Tubular Carcinoma

- Tiny, cylindrical-shaped cancer cells, usually less aggressive and comprising 1 to 2% of breast cancers.
- Symptoms: Typically found in regular mammograms instead of physical exams, as the tumors are very small.
- Treatment: Medications, hormone therapy are used along with the surgery. Radiation is sometimes used. Early detection assures a great prognosis.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer (General)

Breast cancer symptoms can be different for each type and stage. However, there are some usual signs that the breast might be affected:

A new lump in the breast or under the arm
Change in the size, shape, or outline of the breast
The nipple pulling in, hurting, or a strange liquid coming out
The skin is red, thick, or looks different

If the breast is painful or swollen for a long time, the person should get medical advice.

Risk Factors of Breast Cancer

Several factors increase the risk of breast cancer, some of which are genetic and unavoidable, while others are lifestyle-related and modifiable.

Genetics: The mutations in the genes BRCA1, BRCA2, and other inherited genes are major contributors to the increase of breast cancer risk over a lifetime.

Hormonal: Factors like starting menstruation at an early age, menopause at a late stage, not having children, and hormone replacement therapy are implicated.

Lifestyle: Being overweight, smoking, drinking alcohol, having a poor diet, and not exercising are among the factors.

Age: The risk becomes higher with age, especially after the age of 50.

Family History: The occurrence of breast/ovarian cancer in close relatives is a significant factor in raising the risk.

Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

An accurate diagnosis surely leads to the correct treatment plan. Some common tests that are conducted include:

Mammogram: The chief screening instrument to recognize anomalies.
Ultrasound & MRI: Adopted for additional imaging, particularly in dense breast tissue.
Biopsy: By microscopic examination of the tissue, the presence of the cancer is confirmed.

Genetic Testing: Identifies changes such as BRCA and receptor status (HER2, ER, PR).

Treatment Options for Breast Cancer

The treatment for breast cancer depends on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient. It generally includes:

Surgery: Lumpectomy (removing tumor) or mastectomy (removing breast).
Radiation Therapy: Destroys remaining cancer cells post-surgery.
Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to target rapidly dividing cells.
Hormone Therapy: Blocks hormones in ER/PR-positive cancers.
Targeted Therapy: Designed for HER2-positive cancers.
Immunotherapy: Effective in some triple-negative cancers.

Clinical Trials: Offer access to new, promising treatments.

Living With and Beyond Breast Cancer

Ongoing care is a necessity after breast cancer treatment:

Follow-up Care: Routine physical examinations, mammograms, and blood tests.
Emotional Support: Professional counseling, clinical therapy, and support groups may alleviate psychological health.
Nutrition & Lifestyle: Proper eating, physical activity, and relaxation techniques enhance convalescence.

Survivorship Plans: Preventive measures for safety against relapse.

Prevention & Risk Reduction

While breast cancer is not entirely preventable, these measures lower the chances of occurrence:

Keep a stable and healthy weight by eating and exercising appropriately
Consume alcohol in moderation and do not smoke
Breastfeeding is a good idea, as it lessens the risk over life
Be physically fit by engaging in daily workouts

Follow the advice of your doctor and have routine checks and mammograms according to your age and risk factors