Invasive Breast Cancer

Resources include national organizations like Breastcancer.org, American Cancer Society, CancerCare, local support groups, patient advocacy organizations, and NCCN’s own patient resources. Your care team or cancer center can refer you to programs for financial, emotional, or logistical help.

Invasive breast cancer is cancer that has spread from the milk ducts or milk glands (lobules) into the surrounding breast tissue or nearby lymph nodes. It is also called early-stage breast cancer.

Anyone can develop breast cancer, including those assigned male at birth. Although there are some differences based on assigned sex, treatment is very similar for all genders.

Diagnosis and testing involve medical and family history, physical exam, imaging tests (such as mammogram, ultrasound, MRI, CT, PET), biopsy with pathology review (for ER, PR, and HER2 status), genetic counseling if warranted, fertility assessment, and other general health tests.

HER2 is a protein that, when present in high amounts, causes cells to grow faster—HER2-positive cancers can be treated with HER2-targeted therapies. Hormone receptors (estrogen and progesterone) on tumors help determine if the cancer can be treated with hormone (endocrine) therapy. Treatment choices depend heavily on these statuses.

Main treatments include surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation therapy, systemic therapies (chemotherapy, HER2-targeted therapy, endocrine therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy), and supportive care. Treatment is often a combination tailored to individual cancer characteristics.

Types of surgery include lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery), total/modified radical mastectomy, nipple-sparing mastectomy, and in some cases, lymph node surgeries such as sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection.

Breast cancer is staged using the TNM system, which considers Tumor size (T), Node involvement (N), and presence of distant Metastasis (M), along with hormone and HER2 status and tumor grade. Staging may be clinical (before treatment) or pathological (after surgery).

Local recurrence means cancer returns in the breast or chest wall where it first developed. Regional recurrence is in nearby lymph nodes. Metastatic recurrence means the cancer has spread to distant organs.

Supportive care, or palliative care, addresses symptoms, side effects, and quality of life issues related to cancer and its treatment. It is given alongside cancer treatment to manage pain, fatigue, distress, and other problems.

A clinical trial is a research study testing new treatments, drugs, or procedures. If eligible, participating might offer access to new therapies and help future patients. Ask your care team about available clinical trials.

Some treatments (like chemotherapy) can affect fertility in all genders. If you wish to have children in the future, ask your care team about fertility preservation options before treatment begins and consider seeing a fertility specialist.

Side effects vary but may include fatigue, pain, lymphedema, hair loss, infection, low blood cell counts, diarrhea or constipation, bone loss, menopausal symptoms, neuropathy, organ issues, and emotional distress. Supportive care is available to manage these.

Genetic testing looks for inherited mutations (like BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2) that increase cancer risk and may affect treatment. It can help guide therapy choices and inform family members about their own risk.

Follow-up care includes regular physical exams, discussion and management of late effects, imaging (such as mammograms), monitoring for recurrence, assessment of bone health (if on certain hormone therapies), and ongoing supportive care.

A lumpectomy removes only the tumor plus a margin of normal tissue, aiming to conserve as much breast as possible, usually followed by radiation. A mastectomy removes the whole breast and sometimes nearby lymph nodes.

Breast reconstruction (immediate or delayed) can use implants, flaps of body tissue, or both. Flat closure removes all breast tissue and tightens the skin without creating a new breast mound. The choice depends on personal preference, health factors, and body type.

Risk of recurrence depends on cancer stage, type, grade, and response to treatment. Regular follow-up and adherence to recommended therapies help monitor and reduce risk. Some therapies are given for several years to minimize recurrence risk.

Ask about treatment options and rationale, expected side effects, fertility, genetic testing, follow-up care, support resources, risk of recurrence, impact on daily life, and participation in clinical trials. The guidelines include suggested questions for each phase of care.

Be an active participant: learn about your diagnosis, ask questions, discuss treatment goals with your team, seek second opinions if needed, and use trusted resources (like NCCN Guidelines for Patients) to inform your decisions.

Lymphedema is swelling caused by lymph fluid buildup, often after lymph node removal or radiation. It can develop during or years after treatment. Early management includes exercise, compression, and referral to specialists.

Resources include national organizations like Breastcancer.org, American Cancer Society, CancerCare, local support groups, patient advocacy organizations, and NCCN’s own patient resources. Your care team or cancer center can refer you to programs for financial, emotional, or logistical help.

Invasive breast cancer is cancer that has spread from the milk ducts or milk glands (lobules) into the surrounding breast tissue or nearby lymph nodes. It is also called early-stage breast cancer.