RARE TYPES OF BREAST CANCER

TRIPLE-NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER (TNBC)

What is it?

This is a rare form of cancer in which the breast cancer cells don’t have receptors for the hormones oestrogen, progesterone and a protein known as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2).

“This makes it more challenging to treat,” says Dr Prinitha Pillay, specialist oncologist at Netcare Alberton. “Genetic mutations are seen more often with this type. However, even without a family history of breast cancer, we see mutations in this subtype, which is commonly found in young women.”

Risk factors

Inheriting the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene (mutations likely to cause breast or ovarian cancer)

Premenopausal women

MEDULLARY BREAST CARCINOMA

What is it?

In this uncommon type of cancer, the tumour contains white blood cells and the cancer cells tend to be bigger than in other types of breast cancer. It accounts for less than 5% of breast cancer cases, Hoosain says.

Risk factor

Having the BRCA 1 gene mutation

MUCINOUS BREAST CANCER

What is it?

This cancer develops in the milk ducts before spreading to other tissues. It makes up 2% of breast cancer diagnoses.

Mucin is the primary component in mucus, and this is an invasive cancer where mucus surrounds the cancerous cells.

ANGIOSARCOMA

What is it?

This is a tumour which forms in the soft tissue of the breast and begins in the cells lining the blood vessels or lymph vessels.

It can involve the breast tissue or the skin of the breast. Sarcomas are the rarest type, making up less than 1% of breast cancers, says Justine Lacy, a clinical executive at Profmed.

Risk factors

A history of radiation treatment Exposure to environmental chemicals Family history

Chronic lymphoedema (swelling caused by damage to the lymph vessels)

INFLAMMATORY BREAST CANCER

What is it?

This starts in the soft tissue of the breast and can cause the lymph vessels in the skin of the breast to become blocked. It accounts for 1-5% of diagnoses, Ogude says.

“Inflammation of the breast can cause a rapid change in the shape of the breast, even over the course of weeks,” he says.

“This can cause pain in the breast – throbbing, stabbing pains that make touching the breasts uncomfortable.” Risk factor

Being overweight or obese

It can develop in any part of the body that produces mucin, but is most commonly found in the breast.

Risk factors

Obesity

Alcohol use

Radiation treatment