What types of breast cancer are there?
There are a number of classifications that structure the different types of breast cancer. For example, one can look at the histology, i.e. the tissue composition, of the cancer. Here one distinguishes in-situ carcinoma from invasive carcinomas.
The in situ carcinoma is a non-invasive growing tumour, which has not yet crossed the cell boundaries. In this group, histology further distinguishes the ductal from the lobular in-situ carcinoma. Among the invasive carcinomas, the most frequent are the carcinomas “of non special type” (NST), which cannot be assigned to any special type.
Special forms of breast cancer are inflammatory breast cancer (inflammatory breast carcinoma) and Paget’s disease, an inflammatory tumour of the nipple. Then the different types of breast cancer can also be classified according to their receptor status, which is relevant for therapy decisions. The best known is triple-negative breast cancer, which has no receptors for antibodies or hormones. All constellations of receptors are divided into different groups and together with the size and differentiation of the tumor the therapy is derived from this.
What are the signs of breast cancer?
Breast cancer is usually only accompanied by symptoms in an advanced stage. The earliest form of DCIS shows symptoms in only about 20% of all women. Possible symptoms may include retractions of the breast, which may also appear reddened.
One should always pay attention to asymmetries of the skin and the contour of the breast. These can be a sign of local changes in the breast tissue. A sign that should be detected early by the structured cancer prevention is local hardening of the breast.
They are often blurred, insensitive to pressure and also do not move. The most frequent localisation is in the upper and outer area of the breast and near the armpit. As part of cancer screening, the lymph nodes in the armpit are also palpated, as these may be enlarged in advanced breast cancer.
Due to the suppressive growth of the breast cancer, lymph vessels can become congested and lymphoedema can develop. This leads to water retention in the breast and can result in skin changes such as orange peel skin. In the case of very advanced breast cancer, this can lead to a drop in performance and weight loss.
How can I detect breast cancer?
In order to detect breast cancer at an early stage, one should regularly palpate one’s own breast. It is recommended to palpate the breasts for lumps and changes about one week after your period. During this time the breast tissue is very soft and can be easily examined.
The armpit should also be palpated for swollen lymph nodes. There are several ways to palpate the breast. A gynaecologist should be consulted about the correct procedure.
As a rule, the nodes discovered during self-examination are benign (especially in young women), but any changes should be clarified by a doctor. A breast tumour is found in the upper outer quarter of the breast in more than half of the cases, which is why this area should also be given special attention during self-examination. However, breast cancer is not always easy to detect during self-examination.
In addition, every woman should have a screening examination by a gynaecologist once a year. Physical examination and regular medical check-ups play a major role in early detection of breast cancer. For women aged 50 to 69 years, there is the possibility of attending a mammography screening (X-ray examination of the breast) every two years.
Only about 20 percent of all breast tumours occur before the age of 50, which is why only high-risk patients should receive regular mammography screening before the age of 50. In addition to self-examination and mammography screening, another important way of detecting a breast tumour early on is an ultrasound examination (sonography) of the breast. Even if a lump was discovered during the palpation, an ultrasound examination is always performed.
For example, a distinction can be made between a benign cyst in the breast (fluid-filled cavity) and a fibroadenoma (frequent benign tissue formation in the female breast). Some forms of breast tumours can be diagnosed with ultrasound, in unclear cases a biopsy of the breast (taking a tissue sample) is taken and examined for safety reasons. In principle, it is advisable to consult a physician for every change that is noticed in the breast.
Such changes, which indicate breast cancer, may be Through further examinations, breast cancer can be detected or ruled out early. – Nodular palpation findings,
- Newly appeared retractions and protrusions of the breast,
- Outflow from the nipple
- A retraction of the nipple. Breast cancer does not cause pain or other discomfort in the early stages. Cyclically occurring breast pain, which regularly occurs in connection with the menstrual cycle and usually disappears with the beginning of the period, is in most cases due to hormonal fluctuations and is therefore not a cause for concern or a sign of breast cancer. In later stages, breast cancer can occasionally cause pain, which in most cases occurs unilaterally in one breast and is not related to the menstrual cycle.
