The exact cause for IDC is not fully known or understood.

The underlying cause also remains unknown.

Invasive ductal carcinoma happens when cancer that first develops inside the milk ducts of the breast breaks through the duct wall and grows into the nearby breast tissue.

From there, it can also spread to other parts of the body.

Physical Exam

Digital Mammography

Breast MRI

Biopsy

Staging Workup

IDC happens when there are abnormal cells growing in the lining of the milk ducts and they change and invade breast tissue that goes beyond the walls of the duct. IDC begins spreading from the milk ducts and then invades the surrounding breast tissue.

If it is caught early, the survival rate is very good, but the survival rate declines the more the cancer has progressed.

It represents malignant changes of the ductal epithelium with invasion that is through the basement membrane which is outside of the duct.

It is the most common type of breast cancer and makes up 75-80% of all breast cancer diagnosis.

Otherwise known as infiltrative ductal carcinoma

IDC metastases happens through the blood stream and lymphatic system.

presents as a palpable lump in the breast

thickening or redness of the skin of the breast

swelling or change in the shape of the breast

localized persistent breast pain

dimpling or retraction of the skin of the breast or nipple

the tumor is fixed, immovable

nipple discharge other than breast milk

scaly or flaky skin on the nipple or sore on the skin of breast or nipple-could be Paget's disease

lump in the underarm area

changes in appearance of nipple or breast other than normal breast monthly changes

unfortunately, in most cases there are no symptoms

It is a scirrhous-type, which means it presents as the classic hard, gritty texture, with an angular shape.

Because it is scirrhous-type it will shadow from the center of the lesion.

As the tumor grows the margins become more angular and spiculated.

It exhibits a desmoplastic reaction otherwise known as demosplasia

Radiopaque density-water density

spiculated, lobulated, irregular margins

microcalcifications

thickened and/or retracted Cooper's ligament

Surprisingly it is the most common type of breast cancer in men

Gender

Age

Race

Family and Personal Medical History

Dense Breast Tissue

Genetic Mutations

Enviormental and Lifestyle Risk Factors:

Lack of physical activity

Poor diet

Being overweight or obese

Drinking alcohol or smoking

Long-term use of hormonal replacement therapy

Diagnostic mammogram--> it is more detailed and in-depth x-ray that is specifically for the breast

Breast MRI--> uses magnetic waves and the radio energy which provide a detailed picture inside of the breast

Breast biopsy--> removes a small portion of the supspicious tissue from the breast using a needle. It is usually an ultrasound-guided procedure. The sample taken is then studied under a microscope to test and see if cancer cells are present.

The patient’s doctor will know what to expect based on the characteristics of the patient’s case of IDC and how well it responded to treatment.

There are specialty centers that would get with the patient to discuss following surgeries, breast construction, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapies.