Invasive Breast Cancer

Breast cancer that has spread into surrounding breast tissue is known as invasive breast cancer.


There are several types of invasive breast cancer, which differ based on their cellular characteristics and how they behave. The most common types of invasive breast cancer include:

1. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): This is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 80% of all invasive breast cancers. It starts in the milk ducts of the breast and grows into the surrounding tissue.

2. Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC): This type of breast cancer begins in the lobules of the breast, which are the glands that produce milk. It accounts for about 10-15% of invasive breast cancers.

3. Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): This is a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer that accounts for less than 5% of all breast cancer cases. It causes the breast to become red, swollen, and tender.

4. Medullary carcinoma: This is a type of invasive breast cancer that accounts for about 5% of all breast cancer cases. It is characterized by large, well-defined tumor cells and a better prognosis than other types of invasive breast cancer.

5. Mucinous carcinoma: This is a rare type of invasive breast cancer that accounts for less than 2% of all breast cancer cases. It is characterized by the presence of mucin, a substance that is usually found in the lining of organs.

6. Tubular carcinoma: This is a rare type of invasive breast cancer that accounts for less than 2% of all breast cancer cases. It is characterized by the formation of small, tube-like structures within the tumor.

7. Metaplastic carcinoma: This is a rare and aggressive type of invasive breast cancer that accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases. It is characterized by the presence of cells that have transformed into different types of tissue, such as bone or cartilage.

It is important to note that breast cancer is a complex disease, and individual cases may exhibit unique characteristics that do not fit neatly into these categories.

Treatment of invasive breast cancer depends on how advanced the cancer is (the stage of the cancer) and other factors. Depending on the type of breast cancer and how advanced it is, management typically might include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Early detection of cancer significantly helps in minimizing the need for surgery, chemotherapy and radiation based on individual case.