Types of Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Type is Determined by the Specific Cells in the Breast That Become Cancer 

Knowing what type of breast cancer you have will help you understand your diagnosis and treatment plan. Your doctor will discuss what type of breast cancer you have and answer any questions you may have. 

The two most common types of breast cancer are:

• Ductal carcinoma: This cancer begins in cells that line a breast duct. About seven of every 10 women with breast cancer have ductal carcinoma. 

• Lobular carcinoma: This cancer begins in a lobule of the breast. About one of every 10 women with breast cancer has lobular carcinoma. 

Other women have a mixture of ductal and lobular or they have a less common type of breast cancer. 

Not all breast cancers behave the same way:

• Metastatic cancer: An advanced cancer that has spread from the part of the body where it started to other parts of the body, such as the bones, lymphatic system or organs. 

• Localized cancer: This cancer is confined to the breast and has not spread to other parts of the body. 

• Recurrent cancer: This is when a cancer goes away but comes back after treatment. 

Here you’ll find a warm, inviting atmosphere and experts to care for your cancer, including: 

• Medical oncologists 

• Radiation oncologists 

• Surgeons 

• Women’s health specialists