Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women globally, but survival rates are at an all-time high due to advancements in the medical field. 

While knowledge is your best defence, recognising early breast cancer symptoms like persistent lumps or skin changes can lead to a much faster diagnosis. Early detection is key. If you notice any unusual discharge or thickening, don't panic, but do consult a gynaecologist immediately.

Identifying Types of Breast Cancer by Where It Starts (Histological)

The most common way to describe cancer is by looking at the cells under a microscope to see where in the breast the cancer began.

Ductal Carcinoma (The Commonest Type)

This category describes cancer that begins in the milk ducts (the tubes that carry milk to the nipple). Depending on whether the cells have stayed within the duct or moved beyond it, there are two primary subtypes:

• Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): This is a non-invasive or "Stage 0" cancer. The abnormal cells are inside the duct but haven't spread to the surrounding breast tissue. It is highly treatable.

• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): This is the commonest type of breast cancer, accounting for about 80% of all diagnoses. Here, the cancer has broken through the duct wall and invaded the fatty tissue of the breast.

Lobular Carcinoma

This category of cancer begins in the lobules, which are the small glands responsible for milk production. While less common than ductal types, it is identified by its unique growth pattern:

• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): About 10%-15% of cancers are this type. It can be harder to detect on a mammogram because, unlike ductal cancer, which forms a lump, lobular cancer often feels like a thickening of the breast tissue.

Understanding Growth Patterns and Molecular Subtypes

This is the newer, more advanced way to classify types of breast cancer. Doctors test the tumour for three key receptors: Estrogen (ER), Progesterone (PR), and HER2.

The presence or absence of these receptors tells us how aggressive the cancer is and what fuel it uses to grow.

Luminal Type Breast Cancer (Hormone Receptor-Positive)

These cancers use your body's own hormones (estrogen or progesterone) as fuel to grow. They are generally less aggressive.

• Luminal A: This is the most common subtype. It grows slowly and has a good prognosis. It usually responds very well to hormone therapy.

• Luminal B: These tumours grow slightly faster than Luminal A and may have higher levels of a protein called Ki-67. They might require chemotherapy in addition to hormone therapy.

HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

These cancers test positive for a protein called HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2). This protein promotes cancer cell growth.

• Behaviour: These tend to grow and spread faster than Luminal types, but they respond incredibly well to targeted therapies (like Herceptin) that specifically attack the HER2 protein.

Basal Type Breast Cancer (Triple-Negative)

This is often referred to as Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) because it lacks all three receptors: Estrogen, Progesterone, and HER2.

• Behaviour: Basal type breast cancer is more common in younger women and those with the BRCA1 gene mutation.

• Treatment: Since it doesn't have receptors for hormones or HER2, standard hormone therapies don't work. Chemotherapy is usually the main treatment option, and it is considered more aggressive than other types.

The Rare Types of Breast Cancer

• Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC): An aggressive and rare type that blocks lymph vessels in the skin. The breast looks red, swollen, and feels warm (like an infection) rather than forming a lump.

• Paget’s Disease of the Breast: A rare cancer that starts in the nipple, causing itching, redness, and flaking skin.

When to Consult a Gynaecologist?

Understanding the specific types of breast cancer is the first step toward a successful recovery. If you have found a lump or noticed changes in your breast skin, do not wait for it to "go away." 

Early detection is the most powerful tool we have; identifying the specific stages of breast cancer early can significantly increase the success of your treatment.

Don't panic. Recent medical developments mean that even advanced cases have more options than ever. 

However, if you are confused by your pathology report or just want a second opinion on your diagnosis, talk to a gynaecologist immediately. Getting clarity about your specific type and stage helps your medical team choose the right treatment, targeted therapies, and necessary precautions.

Conclusion

Breast cancer can be complex, but it can be decoded with the right knowledge. From Luminal types that grow slowly to Basal types that need aggressive action, every diagnosis has a specific plan designed to fight it.

Remember, a "Type" is not just a label; it is responsible for categorising the treatment it requires. The more you know about what you are facing, the more power you have to overcome it.

If you have found a lump, noticed a change in your skin, or just want to understand your screening results better, chat with a gynaecologist at Pinky Promise today. We are here to explain, support, and guide you toward the right care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the most common type of breast cancer?

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) is the most common, making up about 80% of all breast cancer cases. It starts in the milk ducts and spreads to nearby tissue.

Q: Is Luminal A breast cancer curable?

Yes, Luminal A has the best outlook. It is slow-growing, less aggressive, and responds excellently to hormone treatments, making it highly treatable in early stages.

Q: What makes Basal Type (Triple Negative) cancer dangerous?

It is aggressive because it lacks the three common receptors (ER, PR, HER2), meaning standard hormone drugs don't work. It relies heavily on chemotherapy for treatment.

Q: Is a painful lump always cancer?

No. Most cancerous lumps are painless and hard. Painful lumps are often cysts or fibroadenomas, but you should always get any new lump checked by a doctor immediately.