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About this Treatment: Breast Surgery
Conditions Treated with Breast Surgery
Breast cancer has two major categories, as well as subtypes within those categories:
Invasive breast cancer:
- Invasive (or infiltrating) ductal carcinoma (IDC) is the most common type of breast cancer, making up about 80 percent of all breast cancers. IDC begins in the ducts, invades across the architecture of the duct and has the ability to spread locally and distantly in the body.
- Invasive (or infiltrating) lobular carcinoma (ILC) accounts for about 10 percent of invasive breast cancers. ILC begins in the lobes and invades across the architecture of the lobe and has the ability to spread locally and distantly in the body.
Noninvasive breast cancers or precancerous conditions:
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is the development of cancer cells that grow only within the milk ducts and do not have the ability to spread to surrounding breast tissue. DCIS is considered a precursor lesion (area of abnormal tissue) and, left untreated, has the likelihood of evolving into invasive ductal cancer. It is typically treated by surgery with or without radiation and sometimes hormone-blocking therapy.
- Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is the development of cancer cells that begin growing in the lobes. LCIS is much less common than DCIS and is not considered a precursor lesion, but is a risk factor for the development of other breast cancers. LCIS may be surgically removed. People with a diagnosis of LCIS may benefit from a high-risk screening program.
Inflammatory breast cancer: Rarely, breast cancer will first present as redness, dimpling and swelling of the breast skin. This is because of a particularly aggressive form of invasive breast cancer that spreads in the breast and in the lymph vessels of the skin, causing blockage that results in fluid buildup. Because it can resemble inflammation from an infection, it was called “inflammatory” breast cancer, but it has little to do with inflammation. This breast cancer presentation is treated with drug therapy before surgery.
Metastatic breast cancer: Invasive breast cancer that has spread to distant sites and is considered metastatic. This advanced form of breast cancer is treatable but most often is not curable. It is often consider a chronic illness.
Our Clinics
Stanford’s world-renowned breast cancer surgeons work closely with our full team of breast cancer specialists to provide you with the highest level of tailored care. Find leading diagnosis and treatment services in a compassionate, calm environment specially designed for women with breast cancer.
At Stanford, we offer you the most advanced diagnosis and treatment techniques for breast cancer, no matter how common or complex the type. Get supportive, expert care for your unique needs with our tailored approach to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
1st Floor
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Phone: 650-498-6000 Getting Here
At Stanford, we offer you the most advanced diagnosis and treatment techniques for breast cancer, no matter how common or complex the type. Get supportive, expert care for your unique needs with our tailored approach to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Learn More About Breast Surgery
Our Approach
About this Treatment
Learn about the conditions treated, risks, techniques, and types of breast surgery.
Patient Care Resources
Learn what to expect as you go through the early steps of your care.