Text: types of breast cancer in women

• Hossam Moazzami
• October 10, 2025
• 3:01 p.m
• no comment

Which type of breast cancer in women is more dangerous?

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women, and knowing its types plays an important role in early diagnosis and effective treatment. Contrary to what many think, breast cancer is not just a single disease; Rather, it includes several different types, each of which has a different behavior, growth rate, and response to treatment. Knowing these differences helps the doctor and the patient to choose a more accurate treatment path.

Why is it important to know the types of breast cancer?

The type of breast cancer determines whether the disease spreads quickly or progresses slowly, and what treatment is most effective — from surgery to chemotherapy or hormone therapy. For example, some types such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) are completely curable in the early stages, but types such as inflammatory or triple negative breast cancer can be more aggressive and difficult to treat.

In this article, we will examine in simple but scientific language what are the different types of breast cancer in women, what are the characteristics of each type, and which one is considered more dangerous. We will also talk about the methods of diagnosis, treatment and the importance of regular checkups to prevent the progression of the disease. If you want to take care of your body more consciously, reading this article can be your first conscious step.

What is ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)?

Ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS is one of the earliest stages of breast cancer in which the abnormal cells remain only in the milk ducts and have not yet invaded the surrounding tissues. Early detection of this type is usually possible with mammography, and if treated on time, the chance of complete recovery is close to 100%.

Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)

This type of cancer is the most common type among women and includes about 80% of all cases. In IDC, cancer cells leave the ducts and invade surrounding tissues. If left untreated, this type can spread to the lymph nodes and other organs. Early diagnosis is very critical at this stage.

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)

In lobular carcinoma in situ, abnormal cells are seen in the milk-producing glands, but they have not yet invaded. This type of cancer is not aggressive in itself, but it increases the chance of developing cancer in the future. Doctors usually recommend that patients with LCIS undergo regular surveillance and periodic mammograms.

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)

Invasive lobular carcinoma starts in the milk producing glands and tends to be multifocal. This type is usually not associated with a definite lump, but instead causes an asymmetrical firmness or deformity in the breast tissue. Its diagnosis with ultrasound and MRI is more accurate than mammography.

Inflammatory breast cancer

Inflammatory cancer is one of the most aggressive types of breast cancer, which is characterized by redness, warmth and swelling of the breast skin. In this type, cancer cells block the lymphatic vessels of the skin and create an appearance similar to inflammation or infection. A combination of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy is usually necessary.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer

This type of cancer lacks estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors, and therefore it is more difficult to respond to hormonal treatments. Fast growth and high probability of recurrence are its features. Chemotherapy is the only main treatment in the early stages.

HER2 receptor positive breast cancer

In this type, the cancer cells produce a lot of HER2 protein, which causes the cells to grow rapidly. Targeted treatment with drugs such as trastuzumab (Herceptin) can control tumor growth and dramatically increase the chance of survival.

Hormone receptor positive breast cancer

This type of cancer is dependent on female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone and usually grows more slowly. Hormonal treatments such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors play an important role in controlling the disease.

Difference between ductal and lobular cancer

ductal cancer starts in milk ducts, while lobular cancer originates in milk producing glands. The lobular type is usually more diffuse and more difficult to examine, but both are very treatable if caught early.

Which type of breast cancer is more dangerous?

Aggressive types such as inflammatory and triple negative cancer are more dangerous than other types due to their rapid growth and high probability of metastasis. However, early diagnosis and combined treatment can significantly increase the survival rate.

Metastatic breast cancer or stage 4

At this stage, the cancer cells are transferred from the breast tissue to other organs such as bone, lung or brain. The treatment at this stage is done in order to control the disease and improve the quality of life and includes a combination of chemotherapy, targeted therapy and hormone therapy.

Stages of breast cancer progression

Breast cancer is divided into five stages (from 0 to 4). In stage 0, the disease is limited to the ducts, but in stage 4, it has spread to other organs. The lower the stage is diagnosed, the higher the chance of definitive treatment.

Benign and malignant breast tumors

Benign masses such as fibroadenomas are movable and soft, while cancerous masses are usually firm, fixed and sometimes painful. Definitive diagnosis is only possible through biopsy.

Difference between left and right breast cancer

Biologically, there is no significant difference between the left and right breast, but statistics show that the incidence of cancer is slightly higher in the left breast. This difference is probably related to anatomical or hormonal factors.

The role of genetics and BRCA1 and BRCA2 in breast cancer

Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes increase the risk of breast cancer by 70%. Genetic testing for people with a family history of cancer is an effective way of prevention and early diagnosis.

Breast cancer in young women

Although most cases of breast cancer occur after the age of 40, it is usually more aggressive and advanced in younger women. Knowing the family history and paying attention to the early symptoms can be life-saving.

Breast cancer during menopause

With the decrease of estrogen and hormonal changes, the possibility of cell mutation increases. Postmenopausal women should have regular mammograms and hormone tests in their schedule.

Local and invasive tumors in the breast

A localized tumor remains only in the original tissue, but an invasive tumor can spread to the lymph nodes and other areas of the body. The difference in the growth behavior of these two types determines the course of treatment.

Inflammatory cancer during pregnancy

Cancer during pregnancy is rare but dangerous. Normal breast changes during this period may mask symptoms. The treatment is performed under the supervision of a gynecologist and oncologist and in some cases after delivery.

Breast cancer and bone metastasis

It is one of the common sites of bone metastasis, which is associated with pain, pathological fractures and increased blood calcium. Treatment includes anti-bone drugs such as bisphosphonates and palliative radiation therapy.

Breast cancer and metastasis to the brain

When cancer cells reach the brain, symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, and seizures may occur. Treatment includes precise radiation therapy and drugs that control brain swelling.

Is every lump in the breast cancer?

No, most masses are benign. Fibroadenomas and simple cysts are the most common types of noncancerous lumps, but any new lump should be checked with ultrasound or biopsy.

Breast cancer in men

Although it is rare, men can also get breast cancer. Genetics, obesity and alcohol consumption are risk factors. The symptoms are the same as for women: firm lump, nipple change or abnormal discharge.

Recurrent breast cancer (recurrence)

Cancer recurrence may occur in the same breast, in the lymph nodes or even in other organs. Regular follow-up after treatment is the best way to detect recurrence early.

The relationship between the type of cancer and the selected treatment

Treatment is determined based on the type of cancer. Hormone-positive cancers are treated with anti-estrogen drugs, while HER2-positive cancers require targeted therapy. The correct choice of treatment plays a vital role in survival.

Prognosis in all types of breast cancer

Prognosis depends on the type of cancer, stage of the disease and response to treatment. Primary cancers with proper treatment have more than 90% chance of recovery.

Diagnosis of the type of cancer with biopsy

Biopsy or tissue sampling is the most accurate method to identify the type of cancer cell. Immunohistochemical tests also determine the type of hormone receptors and HER2.

The role of hormone receptors in the type of cancer

Estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptor testing determines whether a patient will benefit from hormone therapy or targeted therapy. This information completely personalizes the treatment path.

Targeted treatments in breast cancer

New treatments such as Trastuzumab (Herceptin) and Prejeta are designed to inhibit specific cell proteins and have revolutionized the treatment of HER2-positive cancers.

The importance of early diagnosis in saving patients' lives

Early diagnosis is the most important factor in reducing mortality from breast cancer. Annual mammography after the age of 40 and monthly breast examination increases the chance of survival many times over.

The final conclusion about the types of breast cancer in women

Breast cancer is not just a single disease, but a collection of different types, each of which has its own behavior, growth rate, and treatment response. شناخت نوع سرطان، مرحله آن و ویژگی‌های گیرنده‌های هورمونی (استروژن، پروژسترون و HER2) مهم‌ترین عامل در انتخاب درمان مناسب و پیش‌بینی آینده بیمار است.

Why is it important to know the type of cancer?

Some types, such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), are completely curable, while aggressive cancers, such as triple-negative or inflammatory, require immediate and combined treatment. The patient's awareness of the exact type of the disease helps him to follow the path of effective and targeted treatment with confidence and cooperation with the medical team.

Doctor's final speech

Early detection is still the most powerful weapon against breast cancer. Every woman should take monthly breast examination, periodic mammography and pay attention to any changes seriously. Awareness, follow-up and timely treatment can be the difference between worry and salvation. Taking care of the body is taking care of life.

مقالات دیگر از Dr. Samira Shabani