The earliest breast cancers are called "in situ" cancers. In situ means the tumor has stayed inside the place where it first formed and has not spread to nearby tissues.
The most common form of in situ cancer is called "ductal carcinoma in situ," or DCIS. DCIS forms inside the ducts of the breast, which are tubes that carry milk to the nipple when a woman is breastfeeding.
Lobular carcinoma in situ, or LCIS has a similar name but is not considered a true cancer. Instead, it is considered a risk factor for developing cancer in the future. LCIS refers to abnormal cells in the lobules of the breast, which is where milk is made.
When breast cancers spread beyond the ducts or lobules of the breast into the nearby tissue, they are called "locally invasive cancers. " �
When tumors spread to areas outside the breast through the blood and lymph vessels, they are called "metastatic cancers. " �
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View Originalfigure 1Breast cancer development
The earliest breast cancers are called "in situ" cancers. In situ means the tumor has stayed inside the place where it first formed and has not spread to nearby tissues.
The most common form of in situ cancer is called "ductal carcinoma in situ," or DCIS. DCIS forms inside the ducts of the breast, which are tubes that carry milk to the nipple when a woman is breastfeeding.
Lobular carcinoma in situ, or LCIS has a similar name but is not considered a true cancer. Instead, it is considered a risk factor for developing cancer in the future. LCIS refers to abnormal cells in the lobules of the breast, which is where milk is made.
When breast cancers spread beyond the ducts or lobules of the breast into the nearby tissue, they are called "locally invasive cancers. " �
When tumors spread to areas outside the breast through the blood and lymph vessels, they are called "metastatic cancers. " �
Graphic 53453 Version 6.0
View OriginalLumpectomy and mastectomy to treat breast cancer
Women who have a mastectomy have the whole affected breast removed. Women who have a lumpectomy have the tumor and a small part of the surrounding healthy tissue removed. In most cases, women who have a lumpectomy must also have radiation therapy after their surgery. Women who have a mastectomy can usually decide if and when to have their breast reconstructed. The type of reconstruction shown here is just one way surgeons can reconstruct a breast.
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View Originalfigure 2Lumpectomy and mastectomy to treat breast cancer
Women who have a mastectomy have the whole affected breast removed. Women who have a lumpectomy have the tumor and a small part of the surrounding healthy tissue removed. In most cases, women who have a lumpectomy must also have radiation therapy after their surgery. Women who have a mastectomy can usually decide if and when to have their breast reconstructed. The type of reconstruction shown here is just one way surgeons can reconstruct a breast.
Graphic 73172 Version 6.0
View Original