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Types of Breast Cancer We Treat

Types of Cancer We Treat

At Holy Cross Health, we understand that breast cancer at first diagnosis can seem overwhelming. That’s why our team of experts are there to lead the way back to a healthy life. Breast cancer can begin in different areas of the breast – the milk ducts, the lobules, or in some cases, the tissue in between. No one knows the exact cause of breast cancer, or why one woman develops breast cancer and another doesn’t. Here are the types of breast cancer we treat.

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)

  • DCIS is the most common type of noninvasive breast cancer.
  • DCIS is a cancerous tumor inside a milk duct.
  • DCIS is called “non-invasive” because it hasn’t spread beyond the milk duct into any normal surrounding breast tissue.
  • DCIS isn’t life-threatening, but having DCIS can increase the risk of developing invasive breast cancer.
  • When you have had DCIS, you are at higher risk for cancer coming back or for developing new breast cancer than a person who has never had breast cancer.

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

  • IDC, sometimes called infiltrating ductal carcinoma, is the most common type of invasive breast cancer.
  • About 80 percent of all breast cancers are IDC.
  • IDC is cancer that has broken through the wall of the milk duct and begun to invade the tissues of the breast.
  • Over time, IDC can spread to the lymph nodes and possibly to other areas of the body.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)

  • ILC, sometimes called Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma, is the second most common type of breast cancer after IDC.
  • About 10 percent of all invasive breast cancers are ILC.
  • ILC is cancer that has broken through the wall of the lobule and begun to invade the tissues of the breast.
  • Over time, ILC can spread to the lymph nodes and possibly to other areas of the body.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

  • IBC is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer.
  • According to the National Cancer Institute, about 1 to 5 percent of all breast cancer cases in the United States are IBC.
  • IBC usually starts with the reddening and swelling of the breast instead of a distinct lump.
  • IBC tends to grow and spread quickly, with symptoms worsening within days or even hours. It’s important to recognize the symptoms and seek treatment right away.

For more information about Holy Cross Health's breast cancer services, call 855-HCH-HOPE.