Invasive Ductal carcinoma, medically termed Infiltrating ductal carcinoma is a common type of breast cancer. It usually originates in the cells of the milk ducts, the tubes that carry milk from the milk-producing glands to the nipple. The tumorous cells then grow through the duct walls and into the surrounding breast tissue and even metastasize to other parts of the body.

There are primarily two types of Ductal carcinoma: Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) with each having specific sets of symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) accounts for about 80% of all invasive breast cancers in women and 90% in men.

ductal carcinoma

Also Read: Male Breast Cancer: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Causes 

The exact cause of Invasive ductal carcinoma is still unknown, but scientific studies reveal that a combination of genetic and environmental factors plays a role. Certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, are associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer, including invasive ductal carcinoma. Other factors, like hormonal imbalances and lifestyle choices, may also contribute to the development of this condition.

Also Read: Invasive Lobular Carcinoma: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Risk Factors 

Certain causative factors have been identified that may increase the incidence of developing Invasive ductal carcinoma including:

Age: The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer are above the age of 40, and the average age is between 60 and 65

Family History: If you have a close relative who has had breast or ovarian cancer before the age of 45 or younger, or has inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes from parents, the chance of invasive ductal carcinoma increases

Early Menstruation/Late Menopause: Women who begin menstruating before the age of 12 and reach menopause after the age of 55 are more vulnerable to Invasive ductal carcinoma

Pregnancy Beyond 35: Conceiving after the age of 35 can increase the risk of Invasive ductal carcinoma

Hormone Replacement Therapy Following Menopause: Women who use hormone replacement therapy after their menopause run an increased chance of developing Invasive ductal carcinoma

Breast Density: According to a few studies, women who have dense breasts are much more likely to get Invasive ductal carcinoma

Poor Lifestyle Choices: The risk of Invasive ductal carcinoma is increased due to obesity, heavy alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and smoking.

Exposure To Radiation Therapy: Women who had previously had early-stage cancer treatment such as  radiation therapy have an aggravated chance of getting  Invasive ductal carcinoma as well

Symptoms

Invasive ductal carcinoma may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, as the cancer progresses, the characteristic signs and symptoms that may develop include:

  • Formation of a lump in your breast
  • Thickened breast skin
  • Swelling in your breast
  • New pain in your breast
  • Rash or redness on your breast
  • Dimpling of the nipple or on the skin of your breast 
  • Nipple pain
  • Inverted nipple
  • Unusual discharge from the nipple 
  • Presence of under-arm lumps 
  • Changes to your breast or nipple unrelated to period

Diagnosis 

Consult a doctor as soon as you experience any of the aforementioned signs or symptoms to begin treatment as soon as possible. A comprehensive physical examination is typically performed by the doctor, who checks the breasts for lumps and any odd stiffening. The doctor then takes into account the patient's family history and previous medical history to determine the precise causal cause and may carry out some diagnostic procedures, such as:

  • Imaging techniques like Bone scan, Ultrasound, CT scan, or PET-scan
  • Biopsy

Treatment 

The treatment approach for Invasive ductal carcinoma depends on various factors, including the stage of cancer, tumour characteristics, and the individual's overall health. Common treatment options include: 

  • Surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy)
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Hormone therapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Immunotherapy