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Breast cancer

Types of breast cancer and related breast conditions

There are different types of breast cancer and breast conditions. Invasive breast cancer or invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer.

Invasive breast cancer

Invasive breast cancer is the most common type of breast cancer. Most invasive breast cancers have no special features and are classed as No Special Type (NST).

Invasive lobular breast cancer

Invasive lobular breast cancer is the second most common type of breast cancer. It's also known as invasive lobular carcinoma.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is an early breast cancer. It means that some of the cells lining the breast ducts have started to turn into cancer cells. Find out about the symptoms, how common it is, treatment and research into DCIS.

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)

LCIS isn't cancer. LCIS means that some cells lining the lobules of the breast tissue have started to become abnormal.

Triple negative breast cancer

Triple negative breast cancer is a type of breast cancer. It means that the breast cancer cells don’t have receptors for the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, and a protein called HER2.

Inflammatory breast cancer

This is a rare type of breast cancer. The breast might look swollen and red (inflamed) and may feel warm.

Last reviewed: 26 May 2023

Next review due: 26 May 2026

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