Types Of Breast Cancer
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
DCIS is a non-invasive breast cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct but have not spread outside the duct. It's considered an early-stage Cancer.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
This is the most common type of breast cancer, where cancer cells have invaded and spread beyond the milk ducts into the surrounding breast tissue.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
ILC begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules) and has a distinct growth pattern. It tends to be more difficult to detect by mammography and may present as thickening rather than a distinct lump.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
This type of breast cancer lacks estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and does not overexpress HER2/neu. It is typically more aggressive and may be treated with chemotherapy.
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2) is a protein that can be overexpressed in some breast cancers. HER2-positive breast cancers are often more aggressive.
Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer
These are breast cancers that have estrogen receptors (ER) and/or progesterone receptors (PR). They are driven by hormones and can often be treated with hormone therapy.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
This is a rare but aggressive form of breast cancer where the breast becomes red, swollen, and tender. It is characterized by cancer cells blocking the lymphatic vessels in the skin of the breast.
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Also known as stage IV breast cancer, this is when breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, lungs, or brain. It can be any type of breast cancer.
Paget's Disease of the Nipple
This is a rare form of breast cancer that starts in the milk ducts and then spreads to the skin of the nipple and areola. It may cause skin changes and itching.
Diagnostic Tests
Diagnosing Genito Urinary Cancer involves a series of tests. These may include physical examinations, blood and urine tests, imaging scans, and biopsies. These tests help oncologists determine the type, stage, and extent of the cancer, aiding in treatment planning.
Treatment Options
Common treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill or control cancer cells. It may be administered before or after surgery, depending on the type and stage of breast cancer. The choice of chemotherapy drugs and regimen depends on the specific characteristics of the cancer.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy drugs work by stimulating the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. While not a standard treatment for all breast cancers, it is being studied in clinical trials.
Targeted Therapy
Some breast cancers overexpress HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2). Targeted therapies, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin), pertuzumab, and ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), are used to specifically target HER2-positive breast cancer.
Surgery
This procedure involves the removal of the tumor and a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue, preserving most of the breast. Mastectomy: In a mastectomy, the entire breast is removed. There are different types of mastectomies, including simple, modified radical, and bilateral (removal of both breasts).
Radiation Therapy
After surgery, radiation therapy may be recommended to destroy any remaining cancer cells in the breast or surrounding areas. It can also be used before surgery in some cases to shrink tumors.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone receptor-positive breast cancers are sensitive to hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Hormone therapy medications block or reduce the effects of these hormones, preventing cancer growth. Examples include tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, and ovarian suppression.