Cancer is a devastating disease that affects millions of people all over the world each year. One of the most common types of cancer that women are diagnosed with is breast cancer. However, not all breast cancers are the same. There are two main types of breast cancer: ductal cancer and lobular cancer.
Ductal cancer is a type of breast cancer that begins in the milk ducts of the breast. This type of cancer accounts for about 80% of all breast cancer diagnoses. Ductal cancer typically presents as a lump or thickening in the breast tissue and can be felt during a breast self-exam or detected on a mammogram. Lobular cancer, on the other hand, begins in the lobules of the breast, which are the milk-producing glands. Lobular cancer is less common and accounts for about 10% of all breast cancer diagnoses. Because lobular cancer begins in the glands instead of the milk ducts, it can be more difficult to detect and may not present as a lump.
It’s important for women to be aware of the differences between ductal and lobular cancer, as this can affect treatment options and prognosis. While both types of cancer can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, there may be different approaches depending on the size and location of the cancer. In addition, some women may be at a higher risk of developing one type of cancer over the other based on their personal health history and family history. By understanding the differences between ductal and lobular cancer, women can be more informed about their risk and take steps to detect and treat the disease early.
Ductal Cancer Overview
Ductal cancer, also known as ductal carcinoma, is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for 80% of cases. It begins in the milk ducts that carry milk from the breast lobules to the nipple. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive type of ductal cancer that remains confined to the milk ducts. If left untreated, DCIS can develop into invasive ductal carcinoma, which has the potential to spread to other parts of the body.
- Most common type of breast cancer
- 80% of cases are ductal carcinoma
- Begins in the milk ducts
- DCIS is a non-invasive type of ductal cancer
- Can develop into invasive ductal carcinoma if left untreated
It is important to note that ductal carcinoma can have different subtypes, each with their own characteristics and treatment options. The most common subtype is invasive ductal carcinoma not otherwise specified (IDC-NOS), which accounts for about 75% of all invasive breast cancers. Other subtypes include invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) and mixed ductal-lobular carcinoma.
A diagnosis of ductal carcinoma is usually made through a combination of physical exams, imaging tests, and a biopsy. Treatment options depend on several factors including the stage of the cancer, the patient’s age and overall health, and whether the cancer is hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor-negative. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
Lobular cancer overview
Lobular breast cancer, also known as invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), is a type of breast cancer that starts in the milk-producing glands of the breast. It occurs when normal cells in the lobules of the breast begin to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor. Compared to ductal carcinoma, lobular carcinoma accounts for approximately 10-15% of all diagnosed breast cancers.
- Lobular carcinoma is more difficult to detect through mammography than ductal carcinoma, as it tends to be less dense and less likely to form a visible mass.
- This type of cancer is more likely to present as subtle thickening in the breast, or as a distortion or dimpling of breast tissue.
- In some cases, it may present as multiple small tumors or as a diffuse thickening of breast tissue, making it more difficult to remove completely.
Lobular breast cancer tends to occur more often in women aged between 45 and 55 years old, and is more likely to affect both breasts than ductal carcinoma. It is also more likely to be hormone receptor-positive (estrogen and progesterone receptors), which means that the cancer cells are responsive to hormone-blocking medications.
While lobular carcinoma has some unique characteristics compared to other types of breast cancer, treatment options are similar to those for ductal carcinoma. Surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone-blocking medications are all commonly used to treat lobular carcinoma depending on the stage and severity of the cancer.
| Lobular Carcinoma | Ductal Carcinoma |
|---|---|
| Starts in the milk-producing glands of the breast | Starts in the lining cells of the milk ducts |
| Less likely to form a visible mass | More likely to form a visible lump or mass |
| More likely to affect both breasts | Usually only affects one breast |
In conclusion, lobular breast cancer is a less common type of breast cancer that originates in the milk-producing glands of the breast. While it can be more difficult to detect through traditional mammography, it can still be successfully treated using a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone-blocking medications.
Symptoms of Ductal and Lobular Cancer
Both ductal carcinoma and lobular carcinoma often have no early symptoms and can only be detected through mammograms or other breast imaging exams. However, as the cancer advances, symptoms may become evident.
- A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm.
- Swelling or redness on or around the breast.
- Nipple discharge, such as blood or pus.
- Changes in the shape or size of the breast.
- Changes to the nipple, such as becoming inverted or pointing in a different direction.
- Scaly or itchy skin on or around the breast.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor right away.
Differences in Symptoms
While ductal and lobular cancer share many of the same symptoms, there are a few differences that are worth noting.
In ductal carcinoma, the most common symptom is a breast lump or thickening. This can be a hard, immobile mass or a soft, movable lump. In some cases, the lump may be so small that it is difficult to detect by touch. Swelling, redness, and discharge from the nipple are less common symptoms of ductal carcinoma.
On the other hand, in lobular carcinoma, lumps may not be as noticeable because the cancer tends to spread out in a more diffuse way. Instead, many women with lobular carcinoma may notice a general fullness or thickening in the breast or a sense of breast heaviness. In some cases, women with lobular carcinoma may also experience pain or tenderness in the breast.
Visual Symptoms
In addition to the physical symptoms described above, there are certain visual symptoms that may be more common in one type of cancer versus the other.
| Ductal Carcinoma | Lobular Carcinoma |
|---|---|
| As the cancer grows, the breast may develop a dimpled or orange peel-like appearance (known as peau d’orange). | The breast may appear asymmetrical, with one side looking different from the other. |
| The nipple may become flattened or turned inward (inverted). | The nipple may become thickened or otherwise distorted. |
If you notice any of these visual symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.
Diagnosis of Ductal and Lobular Cancer
When it comes to the diagnosis of breast cancer, it is important to distinguish between ductal and lobular cancer, as the treatment and prognosis of these two types of breast cancer can differ.
The diagnosis of both ductal and lobular cancer usually involves a combination of physical exam, imaging tests, and biopsy:
- Physical exam: During this exam, a healthcare provider will examine the breasts for lumps, changes in shape or size, and other signs of breast cancer.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as mammography, ultrasound, and MRI, can help detect any abnormalities in the breast tissue. Mammography is the most common imaging test used for breast cancer screening in the general population, but for women with dense breast tissue or a family history of breast cancer, additional imaging tests may be necessary.
- Biopsy: A biopsy involves taking a sample of the breast tissue and examining it under a microscope to look for signs of cancer. There are several types of biopsy, including core needle biopsy, which involves using a needle to remove a small sample of tissue, and surgical biopsy, which involves removing part or all of the suspicious tissue.
In some cases, additional tests may be necessary to determine the type of breast cancer:
Breast MRI: MRI may be used in women with suspicious breast lesions to determine if the lesion is cancerous and if so, whether it is ductal or lobular cancer.
Genetic Testing: Genetic testing may be recommended for women with breast cancer in order to determine if they have an inherited risk for the disease. Women with an inherited risk for breast cancer may be more likely to develop ductal or lobular cancer, depending on the specific genetic mutation.
Tumor Marker Testing: Tumor markers are substances produced by cancer cells that can be detected in the blood. These tests can be used to monitor the progress of treatment and to help predict the likelihood of recurrence for women with breast cancer.
Once a diagnosis of ductal or lobular cancer has been made, further testing may be required to determine the stage of the cancer and to determine the best course of treatment.
| Diagnosis of Ductal Cancer | Diagnosis of Lobular Cancer |
|---|---|
| Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive form of breast cancer that is confined to the milk ducts. DCIS is usually detected through mammography screening, and biopsy is used to confirm the diagnosis. | Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is a non-invasive form of breast cancer that is confined to the lobules of the breast. LCIS is usually not detected by mammography, and is often found incidentally during a biopsy for another issue. |
| Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for around 80% of all cases. IDC can be detected through imaging tests such as mammography, ultrasound, and MRI, and is confirmed with a biopsy. | Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is the second most common type of breast cancer, accounting for around 10-15% of cases. ILC can be more difficult to detect with imaging tests, and is often detected incidentally during a biopsy for another issue. |
In conclusion, the diagnosis of breast cancer involves a combination of physical exam, imaging tests, and biopsy. For women diagnosed with ductal or lobular cancer, additional testing may be necessary to determine the best course of treatment and to predict the likelihood of recurrence. Understanding the differences between ductal and lobular cancer can help healthcare providers make more informed decisions about breast cancer treatment and management.
Treatment options for ductal and lobular cancer
Both ductal and lobular cancer can be treated through various methods depending on the stage and severity of the cancer.
- Surgery:
- Chemotherapy:
- Radiation therapy:
The most common and preferred treatment option for both ductal and lobular cancer is surgery. Lumpectomy and mastectomy are the two commonly performed surgeries.
Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment that targets the cancer cells throughout the body. This treatment is often recommended in combination with surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells that may have spread beyond the breast.
After surgery, radiation therapy may be required to kill any cancer cells that may have been left behind. Radiation therapy is mostly given after surgery as an adjuvant therapy.
However, there are some differences in the treatment options based on the type of cancer:
Treatment options for ductal cancer: Ductal cancer usually responds well to traditional treatments, but the treatment decision depends on the size and location of the tumor. If the tumor is small and localized, surgery may be the only treatment required. However, if the tumor is large or has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body, a combination of treatments may be recommended.
Treatment options for lobular cancer: Lobular cancer is harder to detect and respond differently to treatments in comparison to ductal cancer. Hormone therapy is often the preferred option for treating lobular cancer. Hormone therapy involves blocking the production of estrogen, which fuels the growth of lobular cancer cells. Other treatment options for lobular cancer are similar to ductal cancer, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
| Factors | Ductal Cancer | Lobular Cancer |
|---|---|---|
| Response to hormone therapy | Less responsive | More responsive |
| Survival rate | Higher | Slightly lower due to the tendency to recur in the other breast |
| Detection via mammography | Easier to detect on mammograms | Harder to detect on mammograms |
It is important to note that treatment options for ductal and lobular cancer may vary based on individual cases, and all treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.
Prognosis and survival rates for ductal and lobular cancer
When it comes to determining the prognosis and survival rates of ductal and lobular cancer, several factors must be taken into account. Some of these include the stage at which the cancer was detected, the presence of certain biomarkers, and the overall health of the patient.
Generally speaking, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which is the earliest stage of ductal cancer, has a survival rate of almost 100%; this is because it has not yet spread outside of the milk ducts. However, once it becomes invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), the survival rate drops to around 85% for stage I and II, and around 27% for stage III.
On the other hand, lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), which is the earliest stage of lobular cancer, is usually not considered a true cancer and does not typically require treatment. However, it does increase a person’s risk of developing invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) later on. The survival rates for ILC are slightly better than those for IDC, with around a 90% survival rate for stages I and II, and a 70% survival rate for stage III.
- The presence of certain biomarkers, such as estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2/neu, can also affect prognosis and survival rates. For example, tumors that test positive for ER and/or PR typically have a more favorable prognosis and higher survival rates than tumors that do not. Additionally, tumors that test negative for all three biomarkers tend to be more aggressive and have lower survival rates.
- The age of the patient can also play a role in prognosis and survival rates. Older patients tend to have worse outcomes than younger ones, likely due in part to other health conditions and reduced immune function.
- The grade of the cancer, which refers to how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope, can also affect prognosis. High-grade cancers tend to be more aggressive and have lower survival rates.
It’s worth noting that survival rates are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to cancer prognosis. Many people with cancer are able to live long and healthy lives, and advances in treatment options are making it increasingly possible for people to beat even the most aggressive forms of the disease.
In conclusion, while ductal and lobular cancer have some differences in terms of prognosis and survival rates, it’s important to remember that every case is unique. A person’s individual characteristics, such as their age, overall health, and specific biomarker status, can have a significant impact on their prognosis and survival. Consultation with a medical professional is recommended for anyone seeking more information about their specific case.
| Stage | Ductal Carcinoma Survival Rate | Lobular Carcinoma Survival Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Stage I and II | 85% | 90% |
| Stage III | 27% | 70% |
Sources:
- American Cancer Society – Breast Cancer Survival Rates
- Breastcancer.org – Understanding Your Pathology Report
- National Breast Cancer Foundation – Types of Breast Cancer
Risk factors and prevention of ductal and lobular cancer
Both ductal and lobular cancers are caused by abnormal cells growing in the breast tissue. However, there are some differences in risk factors and prevention between the two types of cancer.
- Risk factors for ductal cancer: Some of the common risk factors for ductal cancer include age, genetics, family history of breast cancer, early menstruation, late menopause, obesity, radiation exposure, and a history of benign breast conditions. Women who have never been pregnant or who have had their first pregnancy after the age of 30 are also at a higher risk of developing ductal cancer.
- Risk factors for lobular cancer: The risk factors for lobular cancer are similar to those for ductal cancer, but there are some differences. Women who have taken hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or birth control pills that contain estrogen and progesterone for a long time are at a higher risk of lobular cancer. Additionally, women who have a history of high alcohol consumption, have a family history of lobular cancer, or have undergone a hysterectomy with ovary removal are also more likely to develop lobular cancer.
- Prevention of ductal and lobular cancer: While there is no guaranteed prevention for breast cancer, there are some lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of developing ductal and lobular cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol intake, quitting smoking, and limiting exposure to radiation are important for reducing the risk of breast cancer. Women who are at a high risk of breast cancer due to family history or genetic mutations may also consider prophylactic mastectomy or other preventive measures.
It is important for women to know their risk factors for breast cancer and take steps to reduce their risk. Regular breast screenings, including mammograms and clinical breast exams, can help detect cancer early when it is most treatable. Consulting with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized screening and prevention plan is recommended for women of all ages.
| Risk factors for Ductal Cancer | Risk factors for Lobular Cancer |
|---|---|
| Age | Age |
| Genetics | Genetics |
| Family history of breast cancer | Family history of lobular cancer |
| Early menstruation | Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or birth control pills containing estrogen and progesterone |
| Late menopause | High alcohol consumption |
| Obesity | Hysterectomy with ovary removal |
| Radiation exposure | |
| History of benign breast conditions |
Reducing the risk of breast cancer through lifestyle changes and regular screenings can help women stay healthy and detect cancer early if it does develop.
What is the Difference Between Ductal and Lobular Cancer?
Q. What is ductal cancer?
A. Ductal cancer starts in the milk ducts of the breast and is the most common type of breast cancer.
Q. What is lobular cancer?
A. Lobular cancer starts in the milk-producing glands of the breast and is less common than ductal cancer.
Q. What are the symptoms of ductal and lobular cancer?
A. Symptoms of both types may include a lump or thickening in the breast, nipple discharge or inversion, redness or swelling, and changes in breast texture or shape.
Q. How is ductal and lobular cancer diagnosed?
A. Both types of cancer are typically diagnosed through a combination of mammograms, biopsies, and imaging tests.
Q. Can ductal and lobular cancer be treated?
A. Both types of cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy, depending on the stage and type.
Q. Are there any differences in prognosis between ductal and lobular cancer?
A. Generally, lobular cancer has a better prognosis than ductal cancer, but this can vary depending on the stage and other factors.
Q. Can ductal cancer turn into lobular cancer?
A. While it is rare, some cases of ductal cancer can transform into lobular cancer over time.
Thank You for Reading!
We hope this article has helped you better understand the difference between ductal and lobular cancer. If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to speak to your healthcare provider. Don’t forget to visit us again for more informative articles on various health topics. Stay healthy!