Types of Breast Cancer

When abnormal cells stay inside the milk ducts and do not spread to nearby tissue, the condition is ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), also known as intraductal carcinoma or pre-invasive breast cancer. DCIS is the earliest stage of breast cancer, stage 0 breast cancer. DCIS does not spread to the lymph nodes or metastasize (meaning it doesn’t spread to other parts of the body).

The Ductal Carcinoma in Situ program at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center offers specialized care and resources for people diagnosed with this earliest form of breast cancer. This program, the only of its kind in New England, combines patient care with in-depth research and educational resources to provide personalized care for each patient’s unique needs. The comprehensive care team includes breast cancer surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists, as well as dedicated physician assistants and nurse practitioners.

Get more information about the Ductal Carcinoma in Situ program.

When abnormal cells break through the wall of the milk duct and grow in the fatty tissue of the breast they are called invasive or infiltrating breast cancer. These breast cancers have the potential to spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Biologically, invasive breast cancer is not a single disease but actually several different diseases, which can act differently depending on their distinctive genetic makeup. Invasive breast cancer is categorized as stage I, II, III, or IV, depending on the size of the tumor, and whether it has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

Invasive ductal cancer (IDC) means that the cancer cells, which started inside the milk duct, have broken through the duct wall and are growing in the breast’s fatty tissue. These cancer cells tend to grow close together and most often form a lump in the breast tissue. IDC may spread to lymph nodes and other areas of the body. It is the most common type of invasive breast cancer.

Invasive lobular cancer (ILC) occurs when cancer cells in the milk ducts near the milk-producing glands (lobules) break through the wall and grow in the breast’s fatty tissue. Invasive lobular cancer cells tend to grow in single-file lines and often do not form a lump. ILC has the potential to spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body.

Learn more about invasive breast cancer.

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare but aggressive type of breast cancer that may be misdiagnosed as a breast infection because the breast appears red or inflamed. Unlike other types of breast cancer, IBC generally does not present with a lump. IBC is typically diagnosed through a clinical exam, and confirmed with a breast biopsy. Prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment is important because of the aggressive nature of the disease.

Learn about the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center Inflammatory Breast Cancer Program.

Breast cancer is often thought of as a disease that affects only women, but men can be diagnosed with breast cancer, too. We offer care that is dedicated to the unique needs of men. Our specialists will work with you to develop a treatment plan that supports your medical and emotional needs.

Learn about Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center's expertise in male breast cancer.

Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC), also known as advanced breast cancer, is breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast and axillary lymph nodes (lymph nodes underneath the arm) into other parts of the body. MBC may be found at the initial breast cancer diagnosis, or it can occur years after the original breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. While there is no cure for MBC, patients can usually be offered treatment to help prolong life and improve or maintain a good quality of life.

Multiple treatment options are available. Women and men living with MBC will likely need to change therapies as some cease to work or new treatments become available. A partnership with a DFBCC oncologist will help in this decision-making to ensure that treatment decisions are balanced with offering a good quality of life. MBC patients should talk with their physicians about their individual cases to develop plans that are best for them.

Learn about the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center Metastatic Breast Cancer Program.

Learn more about breast cancer at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.

Read more information about the types of breast cancer at Susan G. Komen.

Access information about the types of breast cancer provided by The American Society of Breast Surgeons Foundation.

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