Breast Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Stages, Types, and More

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the breast cells. Breast cancer can affect both men and women, although it is more common in women. Breast cancer can start in different parts of the breast, such as the milk ducts, the lobules, or the tissue in between.

The exact cause of breast cancer is not known, but certain factors can increase the risk of developing the disease, such as age, family history, genetics, hormonal factors, and lifestyle factors.

Symptoms of breast cancer may include a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm, changes in the size or shape of the breast, nipple discharge or inversion, redness or scaliness of the breast skin, and breast pain. However, some people with breast cancer may not have any symptoms at all.

Breast cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, imaging tests (such as mammography, ultrasound, or MRI), and biopsy (removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope). Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these treatments, depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer. Early detection and treatment can improve the chances of a good outcome.

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer

Breast cancer can have a variety of signs and symptoms. The most common signs and symptoms of breast cancer are:

1. A lump or thickening in the breast or under the arm
2. Changes in breast size or shape
3. Nipple discharge or inversion
4. Skin changes such as redness, scaliness, or dimpling
5. Pain in the breast or nipple area
6. Swelling in the breast or armpit
7. A rash around or on the nipple
8. A lump or swelling in the lymph nodes under the arm

It is important to note that not all breast lumps are cancerous and many breast changes are due to benign conditions. However, if you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to speak with your doctor or healthcare provider for further evaluation and potential testing such as mammograms or biopsies. Early detection and treatment of breast cancer can improve outcomes and survival rates.

Types of breast cancer

There are several types of breast cancer, including:

1. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): This is a non-invasive breast cancer that starts in the milk ducts of the breast.
2. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): This is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases. IDC starts in the milk ducts of the breast and invades the surrounding breast tissue.
3. Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC): This type of breast cancer starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules) of the breast and can spread to the surrounding breast tissue.
4. Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): This is a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer that can cause the breast to become red, swollen, and warm to the touch.
5. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC): This type of breast cancer tests negative for estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, which makes it more difficult to treat.
6. HER2-positive breast cancer: This type of breast cancer tests positive for a protein called HER2, which can make the cancer more aggressive.
7. Male breast cancer: Although breast cancer is more common in women, it can also occur in men. Male breast cancer is rare and accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases.

Inflammatory breast cancer

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare but aggressive type of breast cancer that accounts for about 1-5% of all breast cancer cases. IBC usually starts with the buildup of cancer cells that block the lymphatic vessels in the breast. This can cause the breast to become red, swollen, and warm to the touch, with a texture that resembles the skin of an orange (known as peau d’orange). Other symptoms may include itching, tenderness, and aching of the breast, as well as a sudden increase in breast size or changes in the nipple or areola, such as inversion or flattening.

Because IBC is often mistaken for an infection or injury, it can be difficult to diagnose. Imaging tests such as mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRI scans may not detect the cancer, and a biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. Once diagnosed, IBC is typically treated with a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy, often in a neoadjuvant setting (before surgery). Targeted therapies and immunotherapies may also be used to help fight the cancer.

Because of its aggressive nature, IBC requires prompt treatment and ongoing monitoring to ensure the cancer does not return or spread to other parts of the body. Patients with IBC often receive care from a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers, including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists as needed.

Triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a type of breast cancer that lacks three key receptors commonly found in breast cancer cells, namely the estrogen receptor (ER), the progesterone receptor (PR), and the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). TNBC accounts for about 10-20% of all breast cancers and tends to be more aggressive and fast-growing than other types of breast cancer.

Since TNBC cells lack these receptors, they cannot be treated with hormonal therapy or targeted therapies that specifically target these receptors, leaving chemotherapy as the main treatment option. TNBC is often diagnosed at a later stage than other types of breast cancer, making it more difficult to treat. However, new treatment approaches are being developed, such as immunotherapy, which aims to harness the power of the patient’s own immune system to fight the cancer.

It is important to note that not all triple-negative breast cancers are the same and that there is significant heterogeneity among TNBC tumors, making the development of targeted therapies more challenging. Women with TNBC may also benefit from genetic testing and counseling to assess their risk of developing other cancers, such as ovarian cancer.

Breast cancer stages

Breast cancer stages refer to a system used to describe the extent or severity of breast cancer based on the size and spread of the cancerous cells. The most commonly used staging system for breast cancer is the TNM system, which stands for Tumor size, lymph Node involvement, and Metastasis (spread to other parts of the body).

The TNM system has several stages, ranging from Stage 0 to Stage IV, as follows:

Stage 0: This stage is also known as non-invasive breast cancer, or carcinoma in situ. The cancer cells are confined to the ducts or lobules of the breast and have not spread to nearby tissue.

Stage I: The tumor is small and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes.

Stage II: The tumor is larger than in Stage I, and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.

Stage III: The tumor is larger than in Stage II, and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes and/or tissues.

Stage IV: The cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, lungs, or liver.

The stage of breast cancer is an important factor in determining the appropriate treatment plan and predicting the outcome of the disease. It is typically determined by a combination of imaging tests, such as mammograms and MRI scans, as well as biopsies and other tests to determine the extent of the cancer’s spread.

Male breast cancer

Male breast cancer is a rare type of cancer that forms in the breast tissue of men. Although breast cancer is more commonly associated with women, men can also develop this disease.

The symptoms of male breast cancer may include a lump or thickening in the breast tissue, nipple retraction, redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin, and discharge from the nipple. These symptoms may also be accompanied by breast pain, swelling, or tenderness.

The causes of male breast cancer are not well understood, but certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing the disease. These risk factors include increasing age, a family history of breast cancer, certain genetic mutations, exposure to radiation, and certain medical conditions such as liver disease.

Treatment options for male breast cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy, depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer. As with any cancer, early detection is key to successful treatment outcomes, so it is important for men to perform regular breast self-exams and to seek medical attention if they notice any changes in their breast tissue or nipple.

Breast cancer survival rate

Breast cancer survival rates vary depending on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis and other individual factors such as age, overall health, and type of breast cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate for localized breast cancer (cancer that has not spread to lymph nodes or other organs) is nearly 100%. For regional breast cancer (cancer that has spread to nearby lymph nodes or tissues), the 5-year survival rate is about 86%. For distant breast cancer (cancer that has spread to distant organs such as lungs or bones), the 5-year survival rate is about 28%.

It’s important to note that survival rates are only estimates and cannot predict an individual’s outcome. Many factors can affect a person’s response to treatment, and some people may live much longer than 5 years after diagnosis, especially if the cancer is caught early and treated aggressively.

Diagnosis of breast cancer

Breast cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history and physical exams, imaging tests, and laboratory tests.

1. Medical history and physical exam: A doctor will ask you about your personal and family medical history, as well as conduct a physical examination of your breasts and underarms.
2. Imaging tests: Mammogram, ultrasound, and MRI are imaging tests that can help detect abnormalities in the breast tissue.
3. Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure where a small sample of tissue is removed from the suspicious area and examined under a microscope to determine if cancer is present.
4. Laboratory tests: Laboratory tests, such as hormone receptor and HER2/neu tests, may be performed on the biopsy sample to determine the type of breast cancer and its aggressiveness.

Based on the results of these tests, your doctor will determine if you have breast cancer and, if so, what stage it is and what treatment options are available.

Breast biopsy

A breast biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small sample of breast tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to determine if there are any abnormal cells or signs of cancer. There are several different types of breast biopsy procedures, including:

1. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy: A thin needle is inserted into the breast to remove a small sample of cells.
2. Core needle biopsy: A larger needle is used to remove a small cylinder-shaped sample of breast tissue.
3. Vacuum-assisted biopsy: A special instrument is used to remove multiple tissue samples with a single insertion of the needle.
4. Surgical biopsy: A small incision is made in the breast and a sample of tissue is removed. This procedure is usually done under local anesthesia.

Breast biopsies are typically recommended when a lump or abnormality is found during a breast exam, mammogram, or other imaging tests. The procedure is generally safe and relatively painless, and can provide important information about the health of the breast tissue. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks, such as bleeding or infection, which can be minimized by following the appropriate precautions and post-procedure care.

Breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and personal preferences. Here are some common treatment options:

1. Surgery: Surgery is often the first treatment for breast cancer, and may involve removing the tumor, a portion of the breast, or the entire breast (mastectomy).
2. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It is often used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
3. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be given before or after surgery, and may be used in combination with other treatments.
4. Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy is used to block the effects of hormones that can stimulate the growth of some types of breast cancer cells. It may be used in combination with other treatments.
5. Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy drugs target specific proteins or genes that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. These drugs can be used in combination with other treatments.

It’s important to work with your healthcare team to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.