Types of Cancer
Breast
Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer for women, although there are rare occurrences for men. A key component of breast cancer is where it arises in the breast, which determines how it behaves and the potential treatment that may be most effective. Here are three common types of breast cancer.
Ductal carcinoma forms in the lining of the milk duct. The ducts serve to bring breast milk from the lobules where it is produced to the nipple.
If the cancer remains in the ducts it is an early-stage cancer called Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS). If the cancer spreads from the milk ducts out to surrounding tissue, then it is classified as Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC). IDC is the most common type of breast cancer. Lobular carcinoma starts in the milk-producing area of the breast called lobules. The lobules are connected to the milk ducts. If the cancer breaks out of the lobules, then it is referred to as invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC).
Sarcoma is a rare type of breast cancer that begins in connective tissues like muscle, fat, and blood vessels.
What you should know
Genetics and hormonal factors including early menstruation or late menopause can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Like most cancers, early detection is advantageous. Some symptoms like skin discoloration, pain, lump in the breast, or a discharge in the nipple can indicate potential cancer. Mammograms, MRI, ultrasound, and a biopsy are often used to help diagnose the cancer.
Therapies
There are many types of treatments depending on the unique cause of your breast cancer that ranges from precision delivered immunotherapy to hormonal therapies. Dayspring Cancer Clinic offers a wide range of testing to determine what therapies can best be customized for optimal results. Regardless of the therapy that is prescribed based on your unique genetic biomarkers, there is an alternative to invasive conventional treatments. Learn more from our past patients or talk to one of our medical staff members.