Types of Invasive Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is invasive if the original tumor has spread beyond the tissue where it developed—usually a milk duct or milk-producing gland (lobule)—and infiltrated other tissues. Most breast tumors are invasive. Typically, the first tissues to be affected by breast cancer spread are the axillary lymph nodes in the underarm area, which drain lymph fluid from the breast.

In general, as cancer becomes more invasive, it also becomes more challenging to treat. The latest treatment options for all types of invasive breast cancer are available through Tampa General Hospital’s Cancer Institute and renowned Breast Cancer Center. Accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC), TGH has earned the prestigious “High Performing in Cancer” designation from U.S. News & World Report for 2022-23, ranking us among the top 10% of hospitals in the nation.

What Is Invasive Breast Cancer?

Invasive breast cancer can spread:

  • Within the breast only
  • To the surrounding tissues
  • To distant areas of the body

Invasive cancer is not necessarily metastatic cancer, but it can be; the latter occurs after cancerous cells travel beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to distant tissues and organs.

There are several types of invasive breast cancer, including:

Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer

The most common form of breast cancer, invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) originates in the cells that line a milk duct. After breaking through the wall of the duct, the cancerous cells then infiltrate nearby breast tissues and can potentially enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Once there, the cancer can circulate throughout the body and reach distant tissues and organs.

Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer

Invasive lobular carcinoma develops in a lobule, then breaks through its outer wall and spreads to healthy breast tissues, nearby lymph nodes and/or other areas of the body. Compared to IDC, invasive lobular carcinoma tends to be more challenging to detect. Because the cancer typically does not form a well-defined mass, the breast structure may appear undistorted in diagnostic images. This is known as a lack of architectural distortion.

What Causes Invasive Breast Cancer?

Like all forms of cancer, invasive breast cancer develops when healthy cells undergo abnormal DNA changes that cause them to grow and divide uncontrollably. The excess cells then build up, bind together and invade nearby structures.

Although scientists do not yet fully understand the causes of invasive breast cancer, they have identified certain risk factors, such as:

  • Tobacco use
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Excess body weight
  • Early menstruation (before age 12)
  • Late menopause (after age 55)
  • No pregnancies

Additionally, approximately 10% of breast cancer cases are linked to hereditary factors, such as a mutation in breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) or breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2).

What Are the Symptoms of Invasive Breast Cancer?

Some signs of invasive breast cancer are:

  • A lump or thickening in a breast
  • Breast irritation or itching
  • A change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast or nipple in a short time
  • Breast tenderness, swelling, hardness or warmth
  • Peeling or flaking nipple skin
  • Redness or pitting of the breast skin (similar to the appearance of an orange peel)

How Is Invasive Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

If invasive breast cancer is suspected based on the symptoms, a physician will typically order a breast X-ray (mammogram). Alternatively, if the patient is younger than 35, the physician may order an ultrasound scan of the breast and nearby lymph nodes. If suspicious changes are detected in the resulting images, the physician will likely order a breast biopsy, which involves obtaining a small tissue sample for microscopic evaluation by a pathologist. A tissue biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing cancer and the only definitive way to confirm or rule out a breast cancer diagnosis.

How Is Invasive Breast Cancer Treated?

The treatment options for invasive breast cancer can vary based on the size, location and stage of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health and preferences. In many cases, surgery is performed to remove the tumor. Other treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy may be performed before surgery to shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove or after surgery to help prevent a recurrence.

Benefit From World-Class Care at TGH

TGH’s Breast Cancer Center is among the highest-volume programs in Florida for treating patients with invasive breast cancer who require a hospital stay. Our board-certified breast surgeons are skilled and experienced in performing the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques. Our goal is to eradicate the cancer while preserving as much natural breast tissue as possible. If would like to talk with an expert on our team, contact us at (800) 844-4554 to request an appointment.