What Is the Difference Between Situ Breast Cancer & Invasive Breast Cancer?
As of 2009, breast cancer was the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States. Only skin cancer was more common. Two main types of breast cancer, in situ and invasive, share some common traits but are often treated differently.
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In Situ
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The term "in situ" comes from the Latin words for "in place." Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) is defined as cancer that stayed inside the ductal system and has not moved into surrounding tissue. Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS) is cancer in the lobes, which are the milk-producing glands.
Invasive
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Invasive cancer is sometimes referred to as infiltrating cancer. When the cancer moves beyond the ducts or lobes and into the surrounding fatty tissue or breast tissue, it becomes invasive. According to the National Cancer Institute, ductal or lobular cancer can progress into the move aggressive, invasive type of cancer.
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Diagnosis
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In situ breast cancer is often too small to be felt . Mammograms show in situ cancer as tiny, white dots. These dots are calcified cancer cells. Invasive cancer may be detected by the presence of a lump in the breast or underarm area, nipple discharge, breast pain or as a result of a mammogram.
Treatment of In Situ Cancer
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In Situ cancer is often treated with breast conserving surgery (lumpectomy) followed by radiation.
Treatment of Invasive Cancer
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Invasive cancer may require a more aggressive approach, such as mastectomy or chemotherapy. Physicians consider the extent the cancer has spread and the risk of recurrence when determining the exact treatment needed.
Advances
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In situ breast cancer was rarely diagnosed before 1980. The increased use of mammography has led to breast cancer being found sooner, often before it has had time to develop into invasive cancer.
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