Keeping Abreast of Breast Cancer: Understanding The Different Types and the Important Role of Thermography 

Breast cancer is just about any woman’s worst fear, and every day we hear of yet another woman who has breast cancer. It seems that it is not age dependent and women from young adulthood to old age can be affected.  The chemotherapy and radiation rooms of any oncology unit can have people ranging from their early twenties to late eighties and beyond.     Breast cancer is a complex disease that affects millions of women worldwide

However, did you know that breast cancer isn’t just one type of disease?  Did you know that even men can be affected by breast cancer? There are in fact quite a few forms of breast cancer,  each with its own unique characteristics and ways of being treated. In this blog, we will explore the different types of breast cancer and also discuss the important role a thermography wellness screening plays in helping to diagnose and prevent the spread of this invasive disease. 

Understanding The Different Types and the Important Role of Thermography 

We often hear of someone who has breast cancer. Or perhaps even you may have been diagnosed with this dreaded disease. It seems to be on everyone’s lips these days and everyone knows someone who is affected by this illness.  There are many types of breast cancer and it is determined by where it starts in the breast, how much it has grown or spread, and how it behaves. Knowing the specific type of breast cancer you have is important because it helps you and your doctor choose the most effective treatment options.

Let’s look at the various types of breast cancer, including molecular subtypes, male breast cancer, and cancerous phyllodes tumors of the breast. Understanding these different types will guide you in making decisions about your treatment.

     

  • Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) is an early-stage form of breast cancer. It means there are abnormal cells in the milk ducts of the breast, but they haven’t spread outside of the ducts or into other parts of the body. DCIS is usually found through routine mammograms and doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. Although not life-threatening on its own, if left untreated, it can develop into invasive breast cancer. Treatment options include removing the abnormal cells with surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy) and, in some cases, radiation therapy. With proper treatment, the outlook for DCIS is generally excellent, and regular follow-up is important to monitor for any changes.

 

  • Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): IDC is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It originates in the milk ducts but then invades surrounding breast tissue. IDC can spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body. Treatments usually involve surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy.

 

  • Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS): LCIS begins in the lobules (milk-producing glands) of the breast but does not extend into the surrounding tissue. Unlike DCIS, LCIS is not considered a true cancer but rather an indication of an increased risk for developing invasive breast cancer later on. Treatment for LCIS may involve close monitoring, medication, or preventive surgery (prophylactic mastectomy).

 

  • Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): ILC starts in the lobules and invades the surrounding breast tissue. It accounts for about 10-15% of all invasive breast cancers. Unlike IDC, ILC tends to spread to other parts of the body, such as the ovaries, peritoneum, or the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment options are similar to IDC, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy.

 

  • Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC): IBC is a rare but aggressive form of breast cancer that accounts for approximately 1-5% of all cases. It is the most dreaded of all of the breast cancers.   It typically does not present as a lump but causes redness, swelling, warmth, and a pitted appearance of the breast skin. IBC spreads rapidly and requires immediate treatment. By the time IBC has been detected, the chances are that it has already spread to other parts of the body.  Treatment usually involves a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.

 

  • Paget’s Disease of the Breast: Paget’s disease affects the nipple and the areola, causing redness, crusting, and itching. It is often associated with another underlying breast cancer, either DCIS or invasive breast cancer. Treatment may include surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy, depending on the extent of the disease.

 

  • Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): TNBC is a subtype of breast cancer that lacks receptors for estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 proteins. It tends to be more aggressive, with a higher risk of recurrence. TNBC is typically treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, as hormone therapy and targeted therapy are less effective in this type.

 

  • Cancerous phyllodes tumors of the breast are rare and can be malignant (cancerous). They start in the connective tissue of the breast and can spread to other areas. Symptoms include a painless breast lump that grows quickly. Diagnosis involves imaging tests and a biopsy. Treatment involves surgical removal of the tumor, sometimes followed by radiation or chemotherapy. Regular monitoring is important.

 

Breast Cancer in Men

Breast cancer in men? Can this be true?  

It is hard to believe that men can get breast cancer, and although relatively uncommon, men can indeed get breast cancer. Studies have shown that in the United States, breast cancer accounts for less than 1% of all cases. In 2022, it is estimated that around 2,710 men in America will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and approximately 530 men will lose their lives to this disease. While the occurrence of breast cancer in men is less frequent, it is still important for men to be aware of the signs, seek medical attention if necessary, and receive appropriate care to improve the outcome. 

Do men have milk ducts? 

Yes, they do.  Men do have milk ducts, just like women do, but these ducts usually stay inactive and don’t go through the same changes as they do in women when they are pregnant or breastfeeding. While men have nipples, mammary glands, and pituitary glands needed for lactation, they don’t have enough of a hormone called prolactin to make their mammary glands produce milk. Also, unlike women, men’s mammary tissue doesn’t grow during puberty.

What kinds of breast cancer do men get? 

The most frequent form of breast cancer found in men is called infiltrating ductal cancer. This type of cancer begins in the milk ducts and then spreads to surrounding tissues. There are also some less common types of breast cancer that can occur in men. These include inflammatory carcinoma and Paget disease of the nipple. However, a rare type of breast cancer called lobular carcinoma in situ is extremely uncommon in men. This is mainly because men have very little lobular tissue, which is responsible for producing breast milk.

How Can a Thermography Wellness study Help?

  • Thermography is a non-invasive imaging technique using infrared cameras.
  • It detects heat patterns and temperature variations in breast tissue.
  • Abnormal heat patterns can indicate the presence of a tumor or other abnormalities.
  • Cancer cells generate more heat than healthy cells, making them detectable.
  • For many women, by the time they discover that they have breast cancer, the cancer is at an advanced stage and may even have spread.  Thermography can help identify breast cancer whilst it is in its beginning stage (Stage 1), making it easier to treat. 
  • Thermography can help identify certain characteristics associated with different types of breast cancer, but it cannot specifically diagnose or differentiate between specific types of breast cancer. It primarily detects abnormal heat patterns and temperature variations in the breast tissue, which can indicate the presence of a tumor or other abnormalities. 
  • For example, inflammatory breast cancer, a more aggressive type of breast cancer, often exhibits increased blood flow and inflammation. These changes can result in noticeable temperature differences that may be detected through thermography.
  • Thermal Imaging (Thermography) can provide valuable information and is a great tool that can complement further evaluation by an oncologist, who will then do either a biopsy or other diagnostic tests. 

  

In a Nutshell

Breast cancer can take on many faces, and is at first an invisible disease.  Although women are its main victims, cancer can strike men as well.  Regular thermography screenings, where cancer can be detected at an early stage, can prevent cancer from spreading.   Technology has given us an eye into what cannot otherwise be seen with the natural eye.  Regular breast self-examinations, clinical breast exams, and thermography can aid in early detection and improve the chances of successful treatment.  It can even save your life.  Remember, as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.

Do not delay your thermography wellness study.  Your life may just depend on it.