The Different Types of Breast Cancer, Explained

Subtypes Of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common form of breast cancer where cancerous cells have developed from the cells that line the milk ducts and have metastasized to surrounding structures. The milk ducts in the breast are the small tubes that carry milk from the lobules producing the milk to the nipple. Tubular carcinoma is a subtype of invasive ductal carcinoma where the tumor measures one centimeter or less and possesses tubule characteristics. Medullary carcinoma is a subtype of invasive ductal carcinoma where the tumor resembles a soft structure of the brain referred to as the medulla.

Mucinous carcinoma is a subtype of invasive ductal carcinoma where the abnormal cells are suspended in pools of mucin or the main component of mucus. Papillary carcinoma is a subtype of invasive ductal carcinoma where the tumor has fingerlike projections and a well-defined border. Cribriform carcinoma is a subtype of invasive ductal carcinoma where the malignant cells infiltrate the connective tissues in the breast in nest-like arrangements between the lobules and ducts.

Male Breast Cancer

Male breast cancer is a rare malignancy that occurs in the breast tissue of a male. Male breast cancer accounts for less than one percent of all diagnosed breast cancers. Men who take hormonal medications, are overweight, drink excessive amounts of alcohol, have liver disease, and have been exposed to environmental estrogens are at a higher risk of developing male breast cancer. Men who are affected by Klinefelter syndrome, have abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, or have been exposed to radiation are also more likely to develop male breast cancer.

The most common symptoms of male breast cancer include a lump in the breast, inverted nipple, sores on areola or nipple, enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit, nipple pain, and nipple discharge. Male breast cancer is diagnosed in the same ways other breast cancers are diagnosed: with the use of physical examination, mammogram, ultrasound, nipple discharge examination, and tissue biopsy. Male breast cancer is treated with surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy.