Women seem to fear breast cancer more than any other life threatening disease. Research shows women are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than from all forms of cancer combined. Breast cancer is rare in men, although it does occur.

If you are one that fears breast cancer, there is more reason for optimism today than ever before. Doctors have made great progress in diagnosing and treating breast cancer in the last 30 years.

Radical mastectomy is rarely performed today. There are more and better treatment options. This article addresses the different types of breast cancer.

Breast cancer type is determined from a tissue sample (biopsy) sent to the lab for analysis. The treatment for breast cancer depends upon what type it is.

The breast's milk ducts is where the most common types of breast cancer originate. The actual point in origin is determined by the microscopic appearance of the cancer cells from a biopsy.

When breast cancer cells remain contained within their place of origin the cancer is called situ breast cancer. In situ breast cancer the cancer cells have not invaded breast tissue around the duct or lobule.

Ductal carcinoma in situ is abnormal cells in the lining of a milk duct that have not invaded the surrounding breast tissue. In this early-stage breast cancer some experts consider it to be a "precancerous" condition. Success of treatment during this stage is high. No evidence suggests that ductal carcinoma in situ affects a woman's life span. If left untreated, it may eventually develop into invasive breast cancer.

Lobular carcinomas in situ are abnormal cells contained within a lobule of the breast that have not invaded the surrounding breast tissue. It has not yet been determined if lobular carcinoma in situ is an early form of breast cancer or just a marker for the future development of cancer. Experts agree if you have lobular carcinoma in situ you are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer in either breast in the future.

Invasive breast cancers break free of where they originate and invade the surrounding tissues that support the ducts and lobules of the breast. The cancer cells can also travel to other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes.

Invasive ductal carcinoma accounts for the majority of invasive breast cancers.

Invasive lobular carcinoma is less common than invasive ductal carcinoma, but acts in a similar manner. It starts in the milk-producing lobule and invades the surrounding breast tissue, and can spread to more parts of the body. You might not be able to detect a breast lump with invasive lobular carcinoma. There may be a general thickening or sensation in the breast tissue that feels different. Invasive lobular carcinoma is harder to find by touch and less likely to appear on a mammogram.

Source: Mayo Clinic, personal knowledge

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about specific medical concerns.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. Article written 2-2007.