Types of Breast Cancer

At Learn Look Locate, we understand the importance of providing accurate and comprehensive information about the various types of breast cancer. Created under the guidance of our medical advisor, Dr. Charles Weaver, this page aims to offer a detailed overview of all breast cancer types, along with inspiring stories from survivors who have faced each type.

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases. IDC starts in the milk ducts and invades the surrounding breast tissue. As the cancer grows, it can spread to nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.

 

Common symptoms of IDC include:

  • A lump or mass in the breast
  • Changes in breast size or shape
  • Skin dimpling or irritation
  • Nipple inversion or discharge
  • Pain in the breast or nipple

Treatment options typically include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy, depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer.

Learn More About Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

Survivor Spotlight:
Cynthia, USA

“I had no idea that I had a walnut-sized tumor in me growing for possibly five years. I had no family history and was unaware that having dense breasts is a huge risk factor for women. A tumor shows up white on a mammogram and so does dense breasts, making it very difficult to detect cancer. Please make sure you ask for 3D mammograms and if you have dense breasts ask for additional screening, it could be life-saving!”

Read Cynthia's Full Story

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ is a non-invasive breast cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lining of the milk ducts. DCIS is considered a pre-cancer because it has the potential to become invasive if left untreated. Regular screening and early detection are essential for preventing the progression of DCIS to invasive cancer.

Common symptoms of DCIS include:
  • A lump or mass in the breast
  • Nipple discharge
  • Changes in the skin of the breast, such as redness, scaling, or thickening
However, DCIS often has no symptoms and is usually detected through mammograms. Treatment usually involves surgery, radiation therapy, and in some cases, hormone therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Learn More About Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)

Survivor Spotlight:
Melanie, USA

“Some say DCIS is ‘pre-cancer’ or ‘the good cancer.’ Regardless of the stage, cancer is cancer. Receiving the diagnosis is a traumatic event and your feelings are valid. However, knowledge is power. With appropriate education, guidance and support, you CAN overcome and a lead a very active life as a cancer THRIVER!”

Read Melanie's Full Story

Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

Inflammatory Breast Cancer is a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer that accounts for about 1-5% of all breast cancer cases. IBC occurs when cancer cells block the lymph vessels in the skin of the breast, causing inflammation and rapid changes in the appearance of the breast. Early detection and prompt treatment are critical for improving outcomes in IBC.

Common symptoms of IBC include:
  • Rapid swelling or enlargement of the breast
  • Red, pink, or purple discoloration of the skin
  • Skin that feels warm to the touch
  • Thickening or pitting of the skin (like an orange peel)
  • Persistent itching or pain in the breast
  • Inversion or flattening of the nipple
Treatment typically involves chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.
Learn More About Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

Survivor Spotlight:
Samantha, USA

“I found my cancer when I noticed how tender my armpit was while applying deodorant, which lead me to notice my entire breast was swollen, and soon my arm was sore like I worked out.”

Read Samantha's Full Story

Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic Breast Cancer, also known as stage IV breast cancer, is when cancer has spread from the breast to other parts of the body, such as the bones, lungs, liver, or brain. Metastatic breast cancer can occur months or years after the initial diagnosis and treatment, or it can be the first diagnosis (called de novo metastatic breast cancer). While metastatic breast cancer is not curable, advances in treatment have improved outcomes and quality of life for many patients.
 
Symptoms of metastatic breast cancer depend on the location of the metastasis but may include:
  • Bone pain or fractures
  • Shortness of breath or persistent cough
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Headaches, seizures, or vision changes
  • Fatigue and weakness
Treatment aims to prolong life, alleviate symptoms, and improve quality of life. Options may include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
Learn More About Metastatic Breast Cancer

Survivor Spotlight:
Karla, USA

“Upon receiving the Stage 4 diagnosis, my doctors called it a “chronic disease that can be managed”, and I was determined to manage it. I immediately embarked on significant lifestyle changes – a complete dietary overhaul, managing my stress levels, eliminating toxins from my home and life, and striving to alter the environment where cancer had taken root.”

Read Karla's Full Story

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules) and invades the surrounding breast tissue. ILC accounts for about 10-15% of all invasive breast cancers. ILC tends to have a different pattern of spread compared to IDC, with a higher likelihood of affecting both breasts and spreading to the abdomen, ovaries, or uterus.
 
Symptoms of ILC may include:
  • Thickening or hardening of the breast, rather than a distinct lump
  • Changes in breast size or shape
  • Skin dimpling or irritation
  • Nipple inversion or discharge
Treatment options are similar to those for IDC, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy.
Learn More About Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)

Survivor Spotlight:
Leslie, USA

“My name is Leslie Ferris Yerger, and I was diagnosed with Stage IV lobular breast cancer de novo, meaning there was no diagnosis previously at an earlier stage. This is not so uncommon with lobular breast cancer, since it is notoriously difficult to see on both mammograms and ultrasound. “

Read Leslie's Full Story

Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

Triple Negative Breast Cancer is a subtype of breast cancer that lacks the three most common receptors found in breast cancer: estrogen, progesterone, and HER2. TNBC tends to be more aggressive and challenging to treat, as it does not respond to hormone therapy or HER2-targeted therapies. TNBC is more common in younger women, African American women, and those with a BRCA1 gene mutation.
 
Symptoms of TNBC are similar to other types of breast cancer and may include:
  • A lump or mass in the breast
  • Changes in breast size or shape
  • Skin dimpling or irritation
  • Nipple inversion or discharge
  • Pain in the breast or nipple
Treatment usually involves chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. Immunotherapy and targeted therapies, such as PARP inhibitors for patients with BRCA mutations, are also being studied for TNBC.
Learn More About Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

Survivor Spotlight:
Jena, USA

“I remember googling triple negative breast cancer and finding all these stories of women who had passed and I so badly want to be the girl you see who thrives. It took me a while to realize their story isn’t mine.”

Read Jena's Full Story

HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

HER2-Positive Breast Cancer is a subtype of breast cancer that has an overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein. HER2 is a protein that promotes cell growth and division, and when overexpressed, it can lead to more aggressive tumor growth. HER2-positive breast cancer accounts for about 20% of all breast cancers.
 
Symptoms of HER2-positive breast cancer are similar to other types and may include:
  • A lump or mass in the breast
  • Changes in breast size or shape
  • Skin dimpling or irritation
  • Nipple inversion or discharge
  • Pain in the breast or nipple
Treatment often includes targeted therapy drugs (such as trastuzumab) in combination with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. The development of HER2-targeted therapies has significantly improved outcomes for patients with this subtype of breast cancer.
Learn More About HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

Survivor Spotlight:
Rina, India

“On March 28, 2018, I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 35, which we later learned was stage 2 with Her2+. On Wednesday, April 16 2018, I had a lumpectomy. On Wednesday, May 17 2018, I began chemotherapy.”

Read Rina's Full Story

Triple Positive Breast Cancer

Triple Positive Breast Cancer is a subtype of breast cancer that is positive for all three main receptors: estrogen, progesterone, and HER2. This type of breast cancer can be treated with a combination of hormone therapy, HER2-targeted therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy.
 
Symptoms of Triple Positive Breast Cancer are similar to other types and may include:
  • A lump or mass in the breast
  • Changes in breast size or shape
  • Skin dimpling or irritation
  • Nipple inversion or discharge
  • Pain in the breast or nipple
Treatment plans for Triple Positive Breast Cancer are individualized based on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s age and overall health, and the specific characteristics of the tumor.
Learn More About Triple Positive Breast Cancer

Survivor Spotlight:
Erin, USA

“On March 26, I would receive the news that I had Invasive Ductal Carcinoma breast cancer (stage 2b) and in early April 2019, I’d start marathon treatment journey with Triple Positive (HR+/PR+/HER2+) breast cancer.”

Read Erin's Full Story

Metaplastic Breast Cancer

Metaplastic Breast Cancer is a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer that accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancers. It is characterized by the presence of two or more different cell types, such as epithelial and mesenchymal cells. Metaplastic breast cancer tends to be larger at diagnosis and has a higher likelihood of spreading to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.

Symptoms of metaplastic breast cancer are similar to other types and may include:
  • A large, painless lump in the breast
  • Changes in breast size or shape
  • Skin changes, such as redness, dimpling, or thickening
  • Nipple changes, such as inversion or discharge
Treatment usually involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Due to its rarity and aggressive nature, metaplastic breast cancer can be challenging to treat and often requires a multidisciplinary approach.

 

Learn More About Metaplastic Breast Cancer

Survivor Spotlight:
Lisa, Australia

“I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Metaplastic Breast Carcinoma Squamous Cell subtype at the age of 50 in August 2019. What a mouthful!”

Read Lisa's Full Story

Male Breast Cancer

While breast cancer is most commonly associated with women, men can also develop the disease. Male breast cancer accounts for about 1% of all breast cancer cases. Risk factors for male breast cancer include age, family history, genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2), obesity, and exposure to estrogen (such as from hormone therapy for prostate cancer).
 
Symptoms of male breast cancer include:
  • A painless lump or thickening in the breast tissue or underarm area
  • Changes in the skin covering the breast, such as dimpling, puckering, redness, or scaling
  • Nipple changes, such as retraction, ulceration, or discharge
Treatment options are similar to those for breast cancer in women, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy (if the cancer is hormone receptor-positive). Genetic testing may also be recommended for men diagnosed with breast cancer, as they are more likely to have a hereditary form of the disease.
Learn More About Male Breast Cancer

Survivor Spotlight:
Rod, Australia

“I am a Sydney-born writer, internet publisher, and breast cancer patient activist. Upon diagnosis, in March 2014, with Stage 3B IBC, I was treated with FEC x 3, Taxol x 3, a mastectomy and axillary clearance, with 2/23 nodes positive, had 33 doses of radiation, and am now on tamoxifen.”

Read Rod's Full Story

Expert Guidance from Dr. Charles Weaver

“I am pleased to help Learn Look Locate accomplish its mission of empowering individuals impacted by breast cancer to achieve optimal cancer care. I feel it is extremely important that patients are educated and informed about all their treatment options. Learn Look Locate is a unique platform that connects patients with the medical community, providing essential information in a way that resonates.”

Dr. Charles Weaver, Medical oncologist and Learn Look Locate Medical Advisor.

Learn Look Locate: Empowering Breast Cancer Survivors

At Learn Look Locate, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive information and support for individuals impacted by breast cancer. By sharing the stories of survivors and offering expert-guided content, we aim to empower and educate our community. Remember, no matter what type of breast cancer you or your loved one may be facing, you are not alone in this journey.