This type of pathology occurs very frequently in women, in fact, 30% of cancers diagnosed in them originate from the breast. This was shared by the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM). Due to its large presence self-examinations are recommended or tests in the area, as symptoms are not always present or we do not know how to detect them. For this reason, we offer you a list of the possible effects you may experience if you suffer from this disease, which includes different types.
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the breast tissues. As the experts at Top Doctors explain, this occurs when cancer cells develop in breast tissue and the cells change size “without any type of control”. The truth is that there are thousands of types that can be classified into different groups depending on the origin of the cancer and its extent.
What are the 4 types of breast cancer?
As professionals guarantee, We can classify breast cancer into 4 types: ductal in situ, ductal infiltrating, lobular in situ and lobular infiltrating. Of course, these names don’t say anything, so let’s go into more detail.
It should be noted that most breast cancers They originate in the tubular ducts of the breast, according to several studies. In female breasts, these ducts connect milk-producing glands (called lobes) to the nipples.
This disease originates less frequently in the lobules and occurs less frequently in the fatty and fibrous connective tissue of the breast. On the other hand, if the malignant tumor spreads to other skin tissues and organs, it is called metastatic breast cancer. In this way, we can classify the different types into:
- Ductal in situ: This is an early stage cancer of the breast ducts. It is non-invasive, which means it has not spread to other parts of the body, as shared in a study published in the journal ‘Pathology’. He added that it has a 96% survival rate after 10 years of diagnosis.
- Ductal infiltrating: It is the most common type of breast cancer. “It originates in the cells of the milk ducts, through which breast milk circulates”, they explain from Top Doctors. But there is a difference compared to the previous one: this one is invasive and can extend outside the canal.
- Lobular in situ: This type of cancer originates within a breast lobe and, as it is non-invasive, does not extend outside that area.
- Lobular infiltration: occurs in the cells of the breast lobes, where breast milk is produced. Likewise, it is characterized by invasion or extension outside the breast lobules, into the surrounding tissue.
How does breast cancer begin to manifest?
Normally we are used to hearing that If you notice a lump in your breast, see your doctor immediately. because it can be a clear symptom of breast cancer. However, doctors and researchers warn that other effects may occur in the body.
A January 2024 study emphasizes the importance of having regular mammogramssince in many cases patients do not present symptoms, especially at the beginning. It is also advisable to perform frequent breast self-examination.
From Top Doctors Spain the following stand out Common warning signs:
- Appearance of a lump in the breast or armpit.
- Swelling or change in size in the breast.
- Irritation or other changes to the skin of the breast.
- Nipple sinking.
- Breast pain on palpation.
Likewise, other factors that can influence the development of breast cancer are added, such as family history or aging.
How does family history increase breast cancer risk?
When approaching this topic, many doubts may arise: you saw that your mother or grandmother suffered from this disease and you wonder if this influences this to happen to you. The famous family story of breast cancer “increase the risk of suffering from it”, they declare.
Ultimately, it is true that some women may have inherited genetic mutations (passed from mothers to daughters) that can “harm your cells’ ability to correct mutations in DNA,” they say Medline Plus.
However, it is more common for cells to become cancerous even if there is no genetic risk of breast cancer. sometimes it is due to certain environmental or lifestyle factors.
Can menopause increase the risk of cancer?
But the same happens with the arrival of a early menarche or late menopause. Added to this is the consumption of estrogens and progestins after menopause, exposure to ionizing radiation at an early age, obesity or alcohol consumption.
Finally, Age plays an important role in breast cancer risk. And 90% of cases are diagnosed in women over 50 years of age. For this reason, doctors recommend periodic mammograms between the ages of 49 and 70.
References
Chugh R, Sabel MS, Feng M. Breast sarcoma: Epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnosis and staging. Update (2022).
Joe BN Clinical characteristics, diagnosis and staging of newly diagnosed breast cancer. Update (2022).
Badve SS, Gökmen-Polar Y. Ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: 2019 update. Pathology (2019). DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2019.07.005
Alkabban FM, Ferguson T. breast cancer. StatPearls (2022). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482286/
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