Breast cancer can fall into two broad categories: in situ and invasive. While the in situ type remains contented in the breast duct without spreading to the rest of the breast tissues, the invasive type invades or leaks into the surrounding tissues. An invasive type often demands breast cancer surgery such as lumpectomy or mastectomy. You need to work closely with a breast cancer doctor in Kolkata to decide the best treatment.
In this brief outline, we set to discuss the symptoms and types of invasive breast cancer.
The Symptoms of Invasive Breast Cancer As Suggested By a Breast Cancer Doctor
Breast cancer could be indiscernible at the early stages as it offers very few tangible signs. However, as cancer intensifies, you may start noticing some of the following symptoms:
- An unexplained change in the size, shape or contours of the breast
- A lump in the vicinity of the breast or the armpit
- A bulge or lump that could feel like a pea
- Blood-stained discharge from the nipples
- Mutation in the texture of the skin on the breast and nipple
- A hardened area under the skin that resembles marble
You can recognize most of these changes upon repeated self-examination. And, if you suspect so, it is best to consult a breast cancer doctor in Kolkata.
Types of Invasive Breast Cancer
Invasive breast cancer typically falls among two kinds:
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
IDC is the most common type of breast cancer, consisting of 80% of the cases. In the case of IDC, the cancer cells usually start sprouting in the milk duct and spreading into the breast tissues afterwards. Furthermore, it can remain either localized or spread to other parts of the body.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
Accounting for 10% of invasive breast cancer, ILC begins with a sensation of thickening instead of lumps. Contrary to IDC, ILC starts by infesting the milk glands and then spreads into the tissues.
Miscellaneous Types
There are yet some special types of breast cancer that take up 5% of the overall breast cancer cases. The miscellaneous types are usually sub-types of invasive carcinoma and named after the features of cancer cells: Adenoid Cystic (Adenocystic) carcinoma, Medullary Carcinoma, Tubular Carcinoma and so on.
The treatment of breast cancer is multifaceted and ultimately depends on how advanced the cancer is. Auxiliary treatments might be needed before or after surgery. However, we strongly suggest you consult a breast cancer doctor in Kolkata before you act on your suspicion.