Essay On Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer and it is the most diagnosed type of breast cancer [Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)1]. Invasive means that the cancer has “invaded” or spread to the surrounding breast tissues [IDC — Invasive Ductal Carcinoma 1]. Ductal means that the cancer began in the milk ducts, which are the “pipes” that carry milk from the milk-producing lobules to the nipple [IDC — Invasive Ductal Carcinoma 2]. IDC has the potential to invade your lymph and blood systems which causes spreading of the cancer cells to other parts of your body [IDC — Invasive Ductal Carcinoma3].People with invasive ductal carcinoma typically need surgery not only to remove the breast tumor itself, but also to confirm whether or not the cancer is in the lymph nodes [Local Treatments for IDC: Surgery and Radiation Therapy1]. During the process you will have to work with your …show more content…
If one family member has an abnormal breast cancer gene, it does not mean that all family members will have it. Some of the risk factors that play a role in Another possible cause of invasive ductal carcinoma is an inherited genetic mutation, such as mutation to BRCA1 or BRCA2. These genes normally act as tumor suppressors--when a breast cell develops a genetic mutation, BRCA1 and 2 allow the cell to repair this mistake before further cell division, and prevent the cell from accumulating genetic mutations and forming an invasive ductal carcinoma. Patients who inherit a mutation to either BRCA1 or to BRCA2 have a greatly increased risk of developing breast cancer, as well as increased risk of developing pancreatic, cervical, uterine or colon cancers. Individuals with an extensive family history of these cancers may consider genetic testing for BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, to assess their susceptibility for invasive ductal carcinomas and other breast