What Are the Types of Breast Cancer?
There are many types of breast cancer—each with different behavior, treatments, and outcomes. Here’s a clear, easy-to-understand breakdown.
Non‑Invasive (In Situ) Cancers
- Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): Early, non-invasive cancer confined to the milk ducts. It’s highly treatable and often caught on screening. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS): Not true cancer, but indicates a higher risk of developing invasive breast cancer later. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Common Invasive Types
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most common—accounts for 70–80% of all cases. Begins in milk ducts, then spreads. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Starts in milk-producing lobules. Represents about 10–15% of breast cancers. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Aggressive or Less Common Types
- Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): Lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. Often more aggressive and harder to treat. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- HER2‑Positive Breast Cancer: Driven by the HER2 protein. Aggressive, but responsive to targeted therapies. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC): Fast-growing, often mistaken for infection due to red, inflamed breast skin. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Paget’s Disease of the Breast: Rare cancer affecting the nipple and areola, often linked with underlying ductal cancer. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Phyllodes Tumors, Medullary, Mucinous, Angiosarcoma: Rare subtypes—each with unique characteristics and treatment approaches. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Metastatic Breast Cancer
- Also called stage IV, this is cancer that has spread beyond breast or nearby lymph nodes, commonly to bones, liver, lungs, or brain. It’s not curable, but can be treated long-term. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Quick Reference Table
| Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| DCIS / LCIS | Non-invasive; DCIS treated early; LCIS indicates future risk |
| IDC / ILC | Most common invasive types starting in ducts or lobules |
| TNBC / HER2+ | Aggressive subtypes defined by receptor status |
| IBC / Paget’s | Rare, fast-growing, require prompt attention |
| Other rare types | Include phyllodes, medullary, mucinous—each rare |
| Metastatic | Spread beyond breast; managed as chronic condition |
Keyword: types of breast cancer