Certain types of breast cancers can be considered aggressive, meaning they have the potential to grow or spread, but are still considered non-invasive, because they do not normally or have not spread from the original site. Ductile carcinoma in situ and lobular carcinoma in situ, both types of breast cancer, fall into this category, as does Paget's disease of the nipple, a rare form of breast cancer.
Ductile Carcinoma
Ductile carcinoma is a cancer that is located in the milk ducts of the breast. There are two types: in situ and infiltrating. The infiltrating form is aggressive, as it may leave the duct and get into surrounding breast tissue.
Lobular Carcinoma
Lobular carcinoma is a cancer located in the breast lobules, the glands that make breast milk. Like ductile carcinoma, there are two forms: in situ and infiltrating.
Paget's Disease of the Nipple
This non-invasive disease is extremely rare, and is found in the nipple of the breast. It is usually indicative of a precancerous condition or the presence of cancer that is still in its early stage somewhere else in the breast. In fact, more than 97% of people diagnosed with Paget's disease of the nipple are found to also have ductile carcinoma in situ.
Considerations
The word "aggressive" has negative connotations, and pairing it with the word "cancer" does not make it better. "Non-invasive" sounds a little better, but both terms should be taken in context with other information on breast cancer. Remember, there are many treatment options available for breast cancer. Success rates vary, but the earlier the cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.
Warning
Regarding Paget's disease of the nipple, sometimes the skin reaction that signals this type of cancer is so subtle at first as to pass unnoticed. It is important that women pay close attention to the skin around the nipples, and report any changes in the skin or signs of skin irritation to a physician, especially if you cannot say for certain what may have caused the changes.
Even though cancer may be considered aggressive but non-invasive, that does not mean proper treatment is not necessary. If non-invasive cancer is suspected or diagnosed, steps should be taken to ensure that it remains non-invasive and that its aggressiveness is slowed as much as possible.
Tags: breast cancer, carcinoma situ, disease nipple, Paget disease, cancer that, carcinoma cancer
