Cancer can occur when changes known as mutations occur in the genes that regulate cell growth. In someone with cancer, the mutations make the cell multiply and divide in an uncontrolled manner. When such mutations take place in the breast cells, it leads to breast cancer. In this article, we will study the different types and symptoms of breast cancer.

1. Types
Broadly speaking, there are two kinds of breast cancer, and these can be broken down into two key categories–non-invasive or in situ and invasive. The former spreads within the original tissue, while the latter spreads from the breast glands or ducts to the other areas of the breast. Mentioned below are a few common types of breast cancer:

• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
  This is a non-invasive cancer in which cell growth is curtailed to the ducts in the breast. In this type of cancer, the cells don’t invade the surrounding breast tissues.
• Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
  This is cancer that develops in the breasts’ milk-producing glands. In this kind of cancer, too, the cancer cells do not damage the nearby tissues.
• Invasive ductal carcinoma
  This is the most prevalent kind of breast cancer. It originates in the milk ducts and affects the surrounding tissues in the breast. After the cancer has reached beyond the milk ducts, it spreads to the other tissues and organs.
• Invasive lobular carcinoma
  This form of cancer initially develops in the lobules but spreads to the lymph nodes and nearby tissues.
• Paget’s disease of the nipple
  In this form of breast cancer, the cancer affects the nipple and areola. Symptoms include scaling of the skin and dryness in the affected area.
• Phyllodes tumor
  It is a rare form of breast cancer and develops in the breast’s connective tissues. This type of cancer can be benign or malignant.
• Angiosarcoma of the breast
  This type of breast cancer develops along the the lymph vessels or blood vessels. It is most commonly found in the liver, spleen, skin, and breasts.

2. Symptoms
Some of the common breast cancer symptoms are:

• Lump in the underarm or breast
  One of the first signs of breast cancer is the formation of a lump in the underarm or breast, which does not seem to go away. When one goes for a mammogram, the doctor may detect a lump much before it can be felt by the patient or seen by the naked eye.
• Swelling near the collarbone or armpit
  This symptom appears when the cancer has already entered the lymph nodes in the area. The swelling usually begins before the appearance of the lump. So, if one notices anything unusual, then it is important to go for a checkup.
• Changes in breast and nipple appearance
  This involves changes in the texture, shape, size, and temperature of the breasts. Changes in the nipples, such as itching, dimpling, unusual discharge, and inversion, may also indicate breast cancer.