What does breast cancer mean?
Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast grow out of control.
These abnormal cells may form a tumor and can sometimes spread outside the
breast. Breast cancer is not one single disease; it includes different types
with different biology, behavior, and research importance.
Where does breast cancer start?
The breast contains ducts, lobules, and connective tissue. Ducts carry milk
to the nipple, lobules produce milk, and connective tissue supports the breast.
Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules.
Ducts
Tubes that carry milk toward the nipple.
Lobules
Glands that produce milk.
Connective Tissue
Supportive tissue around breast structures.
How does breast cancer develop?
Breast cancer can develop when biological changes affect how cells grow,
divide, and respond to normal control signals. Abnormal cells may multiply,
form a tumor, interact with nearby tissue, and sometimes enter lymph or blood
vessels.
Main types of breast cancer
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ
Abnormal cells remain inside the milk ducts and have not invaded nearby tissue.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
Cancer begins in a duct and grows into nearby breast tissue.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
Cancer begins in the lobules and grows into surrounding tissue.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
A subtype that does not express ER, PR, or HER2 markers.
Can breast cancer spread?
Breast cancer can spread beyond the breast through lymph vessels or blood
vessels. When cancer spreads to distant parts of the body, it is called
metastatic breast cancer.
Why early detection matters
Early detection can help find breast cancer when it may be easier to treat.
Screening does not prevent breast cancer, but it can help detect cancer before
symptoms appear.
Breast cancer research context
Breast cancer research may study biomarkers, hormone receptors, HER2 status,
tumor microenvironment, genetic changes, immune activity, and pathology patterns.
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