Breast cancer can best be described as a type of cancer where cells abnormally divide and grow in the breast tissue. The site where breast cancer originated can typically be found either in the mammary ducts or the lobules. Cancerous tumors usually grow very slowly; by the time a lump is detectable by self examination; it can already be as much as 10 years old. However, it is important to understand the difference between invasive breast cancer and carcinoma in situ. The following is an overview of the various types of carcinoma in situ as well as invasive breast cancer.

When abnormal cells are growing in either the mammary ducts or the lobules, but have not spread outside of that area it is called carcinoma in situ. The term "in situ" means "in place" which describes the nature of the disease. The sub-categories of these diseases are ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS).

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is the growth of abnormal cells that are isolated in hollow areas of the mammary ducts and have not spread to surrounding tissues. However these abnormal cells look very similar to the cells that compose invasive cancer. DCIS can still turn into invasive cancer if it is not detected therefore it is very important to perform frequent self examinations.

When the abnormal cell growth occurs in the open spaces of the lobules it is called lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). This is different from DCIS because it is in a different area and the cells do not have the potential to grow into invasive cancer. However, it has been proven that women who have LCIS are at higher risk of having invasive cancer.

Upon discovering a lump (by feeling or mammogram), most women suspect it to be breast cancer. This is not usually the case, but the only way to know for sure is to have follow-up tests and/or a biopsy. Follow-up tests provide additional information about the suspicious area by using advanced imaging techniques such as mammograms or ultrasound. A biopsy consists of removing cells from the abnormal area and examining them under a microscope to determine an accurate prognosis.

The Emory Breast Center has the best breast treatments and programs are available. They are experts at detecting the earliest signs of breast cancer and deliver world-class care and treatments. They understand breast cancer and the stresses and anxieties the come with it. Every 3 minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer ? but the Emory Breast Center is working hard to diagnose and treat breast cancer before it can become life threatening.