Breast Cancer Pictures - Types of Breast Cancer Lumps Images

Evidence shows that 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during their lifetime. 

Breast cancers are typically divided into invasive (which spreads into surrounding tissue) and noninvasive (which remains contained within ducts or lobules). Of all newly detected breast cancer cases today, 59% are considered invasive, while 41% are noninvasive. 

The average age for a woman to receive a breast cancer diagnosis is 63 years old. However, statistics also show that one out of every six patients who receive a diagnosis is under 50 years old.

It is essential to be aware of any signs and symptoms of breast cancer so that you can detect and diagnose cancer early (if you observe something unusual in your breast) and get the appropriate treatment. The breast cancer picture above depicts the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

Early signs of breast cancer may be hard to detect, as symptoms can vary from person to person. Below mentioned are some of the symptoms of breast cancer.

1. Lump: One common symptom is a lump or mass that feels different from the surrounding tissues. It could feel harder or rounder than other parts of your breast, accompanied by thickening or swelling that may occur around the lump and throughout the breast. 
2. Skin Changes: Other symptoms include skin changes such as:
   1. Dimpling, puckering, redness, scaliness, and warmth to touch on one side only.
   2. Enlarged lymph nodes under your arm
   3. Nipple discharge (bloody)
   4. Change in size/shape of one side only
   5. Inverted nipples
   6. Pain when touching breasts/chest area
   7. Itching at nipples (intense)
3. Weight loss: There may also be unexplained weight loss or fatigue associated with this condition.
4. Depression: Hormonal imbalances caused by cancerous cells could lead to mental health issues. 
5. Colouration: Discolouration indicates potential malignant growths beneath surface-level tissue layers. Dark spots form an 'orange peel’ like pattern on either side where no physical lumps can indicate cancer.

Breast lumps can be a cause of concern for many women. Understanding the different types of breast lumps with types of breast lumps pictures and their associated risk factors is essential so that proper medical care can be sought in the early stage itself if necessary. Types of breast lumps are as follows:

Benign Breast Lumps

Benign breast lumps are non-cancerous changes in the breast that can often be felt during breast self-examination or may be detected by a physician during the examination. 

1. These lumps will typically differ in size, shape, consistency, and texture from surrounding tissue. 
2. It is significant to note that not all breast lumps are cancerous, so having one does not mean you have cancer. 

You should contact your doctor for further evaluation and testing if you notice any unusual changes or new developments, such as bumps. Your doctor will likely perform tests such as mammograms or ultrasounds and discuss lifestyle habits like diet and exercise, which could affect the lump's development.

With early detection and understanding of benign breast lumps, women can better maintain their health going forward.

Malignant Breast Lumps

Malignant breast lumps are cancerous tumours that can develop in the breast. Common signs and symptoms associated with a malignant lump include:

1. Thickening
2. Pain or discomfort
3. Changes in shape or size
4. A nipple that has retracted inward and/or discharges from a nipple. 

A physical exam by your healthcare provider will help determine if it is benign or malignant. 

If you or your doctor suspects a malignancy, they will order additional tests such as imaging studies like mammograms and ultrasounds, biopsies, or other lab tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment options may involve surgery combined with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or hormone therapy, depending upon the individual's case.

There are two main types of breast cancer, invasive and noninvasive. As per the breast cancer picture shown above.

1. Non-invasive Breast Cancers remain localised within the breast tissue.
2. Invasive Breast Cancer occurs when the malignant cells have spread from their original location to other parts of the body through blood vessels or lymphatic channels.

The major difference between these two types lies in how aggressive they are. In contrast, invasive tumours tend to proliferate and require more intense treatments. Noninvasive ones can usually be treated with less intensive surgery or radiation therapy. 

Understanding which type of breast cancer you have is crucial for determining an appropriate treatment plan and improving your chances of survival.

Non-invasive (in-situ) breast cancer types are early-stage cancers where the abnormal cells have not yet spread beyond the cancer growth. These cancers can be identified through mammograms and biopsies.

Treatment often involves surgical removal or radiation therapy to destroy any remaining atypical cells. Non-invasive breast cancers are generally considered low-risk and highly treatable, with a good prognosis if recognised in their early stages.

Ductal Carcinoma In-Situ

It is a non-invasive (in-situ) breast cancer that remains within the milk duct and does not spread to other body parts, as depicted in the above breast cancer picture. 

1. It is detected through a mammogram and may or may not require treatment depending on its size, grade and hormone receptor status. 
2. Although DCIS cannot spread to other body parts, it increases the risk of developing invasive cancer if left untreated. 
3. DCIS can be treated with surgery such as lumpectomy or mastectomy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and/or chemotherapy.

Lobular Carcinoma In-Situ

It is a non-invasive type of breast cancer in which abnormal cells form in the breast's lobules, as shown in the above breast cancer picture. 

1. It does not spread beyond these areas, and a biopsy will usually be done to confirm the diagnosis. 
2. Treatment typically involves hormone therapy or surgery since LCIS itself does not increase an individual's risk of developing an invasive form of breast cancer. 
3. Regular mammograms are recommended to monitor any changes in the affected area.

Invasive breast cancer is a type of cancer that has spread beyond the milk ducts or lobules of the breast. It can occur in different forms and types that vary in how they look under a microscope and their behaviour. Treatment for invasive breast cancer typically involves surgery, radiation therapy and/or systemic therapies such as chemotherapy or hormonal therapy.

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

It is the most common invasive breast cancer, affecting about 80% of females. It begins in the milk-producing ducts and spreads to surrounding tissue. Symptoms include:

1. A lump or thickening in the breast 
2. Changes to the skin, such as dimpling or redness
3. Discharge from the nipple
4. Pain in the breast areola. 

Treatment involves surgery followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, depending on how aggressive it is. Early detection can result in better outcomes for individuals affected by this condition.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma

It is an aggressive form of breast cancer that starts in the breast's milk-producing lobules or glands. It can spread to other body parts, as shown in the above-depicted breast cancer picture. Symptoms include

1. A lump in the breast
2. Pain or tenderness
3. Changes to the skin overlying the tumour, such as dimpling or redness
4. Swelling of nearby lymph nodes. 

Treatment typically includes surgery followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, based on the stage at diagnosis.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

It is a rare but aggressive invasive breast cancer that accounts for 1 to 5% of all diagnosed cases. It differs from other types of breast cancers as this rapidly proliferates and has unique symptoms such as redness, warmth, swelling, and an orange peel texture to the affected area, as shown in the above breast cancer picture.

Early detection is key to treating inflammatory breast cancer.

Paget's Disease

Paget's disease is a rare form of invasive breast cancer affecting the nipple and areola. 

1. It causes itching, burning, pain, and redness in the area around the nipple. 
2. In some cases, it can also cause discharge from the nipple or changes in its appearance. 
3. Paget's disease often begins with noninvasive cells that grow on top of already existing milk ducts or lobules and spread to other parts of the breast tissue.

Treatment for Paget's Disease typically consists of surgery to remove affected tissue followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy, depending on individual diagnosis.

Angiosarcoma

Angiosarcoma of the breast is a rare and aggressive type of invasive breast cancer that affects the inner lining of blood vessels in the breast tissues. It may occur in both men and women but is much more common among women who have had radiation therapy to treat other cancer.

Symptoms may include a: 

1. Lump or swelling near the affected area
2. Pain, redness or discolouration in the skin
3. Bleeding from an open wound. 
4. Early detection is critical for successful treatment as it has been associated with poor outcomes if left untreated.

Understanding this disease can help you protect yourself against developing it in the future and provide support for those who have been diagnosed with it.

Breast cancer can develop in anyone, but certain factors can increase the risk. These risk factors include:

1. Gender: Women are at the highest risk of developing breast cancer compared to men; however, men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer. 
2. Age: The risk increases as a woman ages, with most cases occurring in women over 50 years old. 
3. Family History: A family history of breast or ovarian cancer puts one at a higher risk of developing the disease. This includes having multiple first-degree relatives diagnosed with these cancers.
4. Genetics: Certain inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, can increase the risk of breast cancer.
5. Early Menstruation: Those who began their menstrual cycle before age 12 and those who had it last after age 55 have increased chances of being diagnosed with this type of cancer. This is due to changes in hormone production over time and amounting exposure to them when young or elderly, respectively. 
6. Radiation exposure: Women exposed to high radiation levels, such as radiation therapy, have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
7. Lifestyle factors: Alcohol consumption, obesity, and lack of physical activity may also increase the risk of breast cancer.

Before the symptoms develop, breast cancer can be screened or detected by performing certain tests. The following are some common breast cancer screening tests:

1. Breast self-exam (BSE): BSE is a way for women to check their breasts for any changes, such as lumps or other signs of breast cancer.
2. Clinical breast exam (CBE): During a CBE, a healthcare provider will examine the breasts for any lumps, changes in shape or texture, or other signs of breast cancer.
3. Mammography: A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can detect breast cancer in its early stages when it is still small and has not yet spread to other parts of the body.

It's important to note that these tests are not diagnostic and do not guarantee the absence of breast cancer. A positive result from any of these tests should be followed up with additional diagnostic tests, such as a biopsy, to confirm the presence of cancer.

Women should also discuss their risk factors with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate screening schedule.

To conclude, breast cancer can be a terrifying diagnosis to receive. It is essential to acknowledge the signs and symptoms of breast cancer in order to get early treatment and maximize success rates.

With progress in technology, it is now possible for people to obtain detailed images of various types of lumps associated with breast cancer. This information can enhance understanding of the disease and help individuals feel more prepared when seeking medical attention. 

Taking preventative measures such as regular self-exams and comparing results with breast cancer pictures, mammography screenings, and healthy lifestyle choices are also essential for lowering one's risk of developing this potentially life-threatening illness.

HexaHealth is here to provide you with the best information about breast cancer and its types. Our experts have a wealth of knowledge to help you learn more about breast cancer. We are committed to connecting you with the right specialist to receive the most accurate, up-to-date information on breast cancer treatment and prevention. With our support, we will ensure that you get all the answers you need to make well-informed decisions when it comes to your health.

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