Treatments Statistics Causes Symptoms Diagnosis CANCER TYPES

TYPES OF BREAST CANCER

Breast cancer manifests in two broad forms: non-invasive and invasive.

  • NON-INVASIVE BREAST CANCER (DUCTAL CARCINOMA IN SITU, DCIS): Confined to the breast ducts, DCIS is characterized by abnormal cell growth that has not spread into the surrounding tissue. It is typically detected through mammograms.
  • INVASIVE BREAST CANCER: Cancer cells breach the duct lining, infiltrating surrounding breast tissue. They may also spread through lymph nodes.

Both non-invasive and invasive breast cancers are equally serious, demanding vigilant attention.

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BENIGN BREAST LUMPS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE

While breast lumps are common, it’s essential to differentiate between benign and malignant growths. Non-cancerous breast tumors, though abnormal, typically do not pose a life-threatening risk. However, certain types of benign lumps may increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer in the future. Therefore, regular evaluation by a specialist is vital in assessing potential risks.

HOW DOES BREAST CANCER BEGIN?

Breast cancer begins when cancerous cells attack healthy cells within the breast tissue, specifically in the lobules and ducts. It is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women and can also occur in other breast tissues. Recognizing early signs and symptoms is crucial:

  • Sudden lump in the breast or underarm
  • Thickening and swelling of the breast
  • Skin irritation or dimpling
  • Changes in skin texture or color
  • Nipple pain, retraction, or unusual discharge
  • In some cases, breast cancer may not present noticeable symptoms, underscoring the importance of regular screenings. Mammograms and sonograms are recommended by the ACS for early detection.

BREAST CANCER SCREENING GUIDELINES

Screening, utilizing techniques like mammography and MRI for high-risk patients, is critical for detecting breast cancer before symptoms manifest. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) provides the following recommendations:

  • Women aged 40-49: Consider individualized screening, especially if at higher risk due to family history. Screening every two years is advised.
  • Women aged 50-74: Routine screening every two years, regardless of risk level.

UNDERSTANDING MAMMOGRAMS

Mammograms, low-dose x-rays, are pivotal in early detection. Studies indicate that regular mammograms increase the likelihood of early diagnosis, reducing the need for aggressive treatments and improving survival rates.

Additional screening options include 3D mammography, breast ultrasound, and clinical exams, tailored to individual needs.

FURTHER EVALUATION: IMAGING TESTS AND BIOPSIES

Upon detecting suspicious areas in screening, additional tests, including ultrasounds, MRIs, and biopsies, may be required for accurate diagnosis:

  • Breast Ultrasound: Utilizes sound waves to produce detailed images and is effective in detecting certain breast changes.
  • Breast MRI: Provides high-resolution images without radiation exposure and is recommended for high-risk individuals.
  • Biopsies: These procedures involve the removal of tissue samples for microscopic examination. Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA), Core Needle Biopsy (CNB), and Surgical (Open) Biopsy are common techniques.

STAGE CLASSIFICATION OF BREAST CANCER

Cancer staging involves assessing the extent and location of cancer within the body. It provides a detailed description of the cancer’s severity, considering both the size of the primary tumor and the degree of its spread. This critical information enables doctors to formulate a prognosis and tailor each patient’s treatment strategy.

WHEN IS THE CANCER “STAGE” ASSESSED? 

Categorising the stages of breast cancer is done by using the American Joint Committee on Cancer’s (AJCC) TNM scheme. This system includes:

  • CLINICAL STAGING: It is used to plan treatment options based on the physical exam, image testing, and biopsy results—if the surgery is not possible right away.
  • PATHOLOGY STAGING OR SURGICAL STAGING: Determines staging by examining the tissue that is removed during an operation and analysing the test results done both before (clinical staging) and after the surgery.
  • POST THERAPY (or POST-NEOADJUVANT THERAPY) STAGING: In some cases, breast cancer treatment options such as chemo, targeted drug therapy, or radiation may be done first to shrink the cancer cells, other than surgery—this is called neoadjuvant therapy.
  • RECURRANCE STAGING (or retreatment): Recurrence staging might be done in some cases when the cancer returns (recurrence) or grows and spreads without going away completely (progression).

HOW IS A STAGE ASSESSED?

The AJCC staging system assesses the T, N, and M elements to determine the overall stage.
 
  • The T component indicates the size and degree of invasiveness of the primary tumor, with higher numerical values indicating larger size and greater invasiveness.
  • The N component indicates whether there is tumor presence in the nearby lymph nodes. In some cases, numerical values may increase based on factors like size, fixation, or capsular invasion. In other instances, the numerical value may be determined by factors such as multiple node involvement or the number of affected locations in the regional lymph nodes.
  • The M component distinguishes between the presence or absence of distant metastases, which includes lymph nodes that are not considered regional.

HOW IS A STAGE ASSIGNED?

As various cancers have distinct classification systems, the assigned letters and numbers may hold different significance for each type. Once the T, N, and M factors are established, they are amalgamated to assign an overall stage ranging from 0 to IV. In certain cases, these stages may be further broken down, indicated by designations like IIIA and IIIB

BREAST CANCER STAGING

Staging determines the extent of cancer spread, which is crucial for tailoring treatment plans:

BREAST CANCER 

OCCURRENCE

TREATMENT 

Stage 0

(or DCIS)

The tumour is limited inside the milk duct and is non-invasive

Receive surgery, followed in most cases by adjuvant radiation therapy

Stage I

The cancer cells are small and have not spread to the lymph nodes or on a tiny area in the sentinel lymph nodes

 

Receive radiation therapy and surgery, often with chemo and other drug therapies before or after surgery

Stage II

The cancer cells are larger than stage I and have spread to a few nearby lymph nodes

Stage III

The cancer cells are larger and growing into nearby tissues (spreads over the breast skin and muscle underneath or on plenty of lymph nodes)

Stage IV

(metastatic breast cancer)

The cancer cells have spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other body parts

 

Systemic (drug) therapy

 

CLASSIFICATION OF BREAST CANCER

Breast cancer is categorized based on the specific cells in the breat that are affected. Types include DCIS, IDC, ILC, TNBC, and IBC, each with distinct characteristics.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF BREAST CANCER: 

  • DUCTAL CARCINOMA INSITU (DCIS): DCIS is also known as stage 0 breast cancer, wherein the cells in the linings of the duct have changed to cancerous cells but have not spread into the nearby breast tissue. Almost all cases of this type can be cured.
  • INVASIVE BREAST CANCER (IDC or ILC): Either IDC (invasive ductal carcinoma) or ILC (invasive lobular carcinoma)—both types infiltrate the breast and spread to the surrounding breast tissue.
  • TRIPLE-NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER: TNBC is a special type of invasive breast cancer that refers to the absence of estrogen or progesterone receptors in the cancer cells and the presence of too much protein called HER2. This type is more difficult to treat.
  • INFLAMMATORY BREAST CANCER: IBC is a rare type of invasive breast cancer that causes breast swelling and reddening. It happens when breast cancer cells block the lymph vessels in the skin resulting in breast “inflammation”.

Less common types of breast cancer include:

  • Paget disease of the breast
  • Phyllodes tumour
  • Angiosarcoma

DIAGNOSTIC SOLUTIONS AT MISKAWAAN INTEGRATIVE CANCER CARE (MICC)

At MICC, we offer advanced diagnostic tests, including Metavectum Tumour Therapy Test, Metavectum Predictive Diagnostic, and PanTum Detect Testing. These innovative technologies provide accurate insights into gene mutations, protein levels, and metabolic changes, enabling personalized treatment plans.

Our approach combines German and Thai expertise in complementary oncology and functional medicine, emphasizing natural interventions. With a global database of effective substances, our dedicated team of specialists is committed to maximizing outcomes while minimizing side effects.

At Miskawaan Integrative Cancer Care (MICC), our 360 diagnostic solutions detect early cancer to provide optimised treatment for every individual while maintaining the quality of life.
 

EDIM TECHNOLOGY FOR CANCER DIAGNOSIS

PanTum Detect Testing can find 97.5% of tumours and rule out healthy individuals with 99.53% precision. 

This was proven in a study of 939 samples from donated blood, inflammatory processes patients, and verified tumour patients, and other studies conducted. It also detects varieties of the tumour using simple blood tests—it is fast, comfortable and risk-free.

METAVECTUM TUMOR THERAPY TEST

Adopting advanced medical technology, this test runs biopsy specimens from solid to circulating tumour cells (CTCs). By identifying 80 gene expressions of the tumour cells, it generates an accurate analysis of the gene mutation, protein level, and tumour metabolism.

METAVECTUM PREDICTIVE DIAGNOSTIC

A combination of 1H-NMR spectrometry and RT-PCR is used to detect early impairment of malfunctioning metabolic biomarkers, which tracks the metabolic changes pre and post-treatment delivery. 

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Ready to take the first step toward recovery? Schedule a consultation with us today to explore your personalized treatment options at MICC.