Breast Cancer Basics

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women excluding skin cancer. More than 182,000 new breast cancer cases in women are expected to occur in the United States this year, and about 2,000 new breast cancer cases are expected to occur in men in 2008. Male breast cancer makes up less than 1% of all breast cancer cases (American Cancer Society).

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, damaging surrounding tissue. Breast cancer forms in the tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk).

Types of Breast Cancer

• Ductal carcinoma is the most common form of breast cancer. Tumors form in the cells of the milk ducts, which convey milk to the nipples. Ductal carcinoma can either be invasive, with the potential to spread, or non-invasive.

• Lobular carcinoma occurs in the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands. Lobular carcinoma can be invasive, with a tendency to spread, or non-invasive.

• Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare, aggressive form of breast cancer that affects the dermal lymphatic system. Rather than forming a lump, IBC tumors grow in flat sheets that cannot be felt in a breast exam.

• Recurrent breast cancer means that the cancer has returned after being undetected for a time. Recurrent cancer can occur in the remaining breast tissue, and also at other sites such as the lungs, liver, bones or brain. Even though these tumors are in a new location, they are still called breast cancer.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Symptoms of breast cancer may vary from woman to woman. Women should be familiar with their breasts so that they know what feels and looks normal for them. Changes should be promptly reported to a health care provider.

Symptoms include:

• Lump or mass in your breast

• Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit

• Changes in breast size, shape, skin texture or color

• Skin redness

• Dimpling or puckering

• Nipple changes or discharge

• Scaliness

• Nipple pulling to one side or a change in direction

—By Rachel Winters  www.mdanderson.org/focused