Let’s find out ‘What Is Papillary Breast Cancer?’ It is an unusual kind of invasive breast cancer. It often grows slowly and responds favorably to treatment.
We’ll talk about the characteristics of papillary breast cancer, who gets it, and what to expect from treatment in this post.
How common is papillary breast cancer?
Papillary breast cancer is extremely uncommon, accounting for only 0.5 to 1% of all breast cancer cases. It begins in the milk ducts like many breast cancers do. But it frequently includes both invasive and noninvasive cells (in situ).
A papillary breast tumor looks to have tiny, finger-like growths called papules under a microscope. Borders are frequently clearly defined. It stands out from other breast cancers thanks to its unusual appearance.
Papillary breast cancer is less common than other kinds of breast cancer involving lymph nodes.
- small
- estrogen receptor-positive, progesterone receptor-positive, or both
- HER2-negative
44 cases of invasive papillary breast cancer were examined in a retrospective research that was published in 2021. Only 13.6% of them were HER2-positive, while 72.7 percent of them were progesterone receptor- and estrogen-positive.
What are the symptoms of papillary breast cancer?
The signs and symptoms are:
- puckering or dimpling of the skin
- redness or flaking of the skin
- pain
- a lump, thickening, or swelling on the breast or underarm
- any change in breast size or shape
- discharge from the nipple
- nipple pulling inward
What are the causes and risk factors of papillary breast cancer?
When there are mistakes in the DNA, cancer develops. Breast cancer cells that have mistakes multiply and proliferate as they do so. These cells eventually begin to proliferate out of control and develop into a tumor. It is unknown why some people get it.
The most prevalent type among postmenopausal women assigned to females at birth is papillary breast cancer. However, younger girls and those born with a male gender assignment might also acquire it.
According to research, women between the ages of 63 and 67 are commonly diagnosed with papillary breast cancer. Not always, although some people may already have papillomas (a type of noncancerous tumor).
One papilloma does not increase the risk of breast cancer unless it also exhibits other alterations, such as atypical hyperplasia, according to the American Cancer Society Trusted Source. Multiple papillomas could marginally raise the risk of breast cancer.
Factors that put you at risk
Factors that put you at high risk of breast cancer according to the CDC are :
- strong family history of breast cancer
- inherited genetic changes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations
Other risk factors for breast cancer include:
- menstruation before age 12
- menopause after age 55
- taking hormonal therapy or certain oral contraceptives
- sedentary (inactive) lifestyle
- having overweight and obesity after menopause
- drinking alcohol
How Is Papillary Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
Similar to other breast cancers, it is discovered through mammography. This could be a:
- mammogram
- breast ultrasound
- MRI scan of the breast
You will require a breast biopsy if a diagnosis cannot be made based on a clinical examination and imaging testing. The only way to detect cancer or rule it out is through this.
In this process, the doctor takes samples of the questionable tissue using a needle. After that, the samples are taken to a lab where a pathologist can examine them under a microscope to look for cancer cells.
According to the pathology report, the sample will either be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). If cancer is discovered, it will also offer details like:
- estrogen and progesterone receptor status
- HER2 status
- tumor grade
Tumor grade describes the appearance and behavior of the cells. Grade 1 indicates that the cells resemble and function like typical breast cells. Also, grade 3 indicates that the cells are vigorously expanding and look substantially different from typical cells. Grade 2 papillary breast cancer is typical.
Why Is Intraductal Papilloma Or Papillomatosis Occasionally Mistaken For Papillary Breast Cancer?
There are benign and malignant papillary tumors. The diagnosis becomes difficult as a result. The doctor can take many samples from the tumor during a needle biopsy. It’s possible that the samples don’t have aggressive cancer cells.
However, invasive and noninvasive cells can also be found in papillary breast cancer. It’s possible that the tumor’s other areas have invasive cancer cells. This is why, even if a papilloma is regarded to be benign, surgery to remove it is typically advised, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Cancerous intraductal papillomas are not present. They develop in the milk ducts, typically at the nipple, and are benign tumors. Blood arteries, fibrous tissue, and glandular tissue make up these tumors. This kind of single tumor is known as a solitary intraductal papilloma.
Occasionally, a collection of benign papillomas develops in tiny ducts farther from the nipple. A condition known as papillomatosis causes small, less noticeable areas of ductal cell growth.
How is papillary breast cancer treated?
The precise characteristics will determine how it is treated. Here they are:
- estrogen and progesterone receptor status
- HER2 status
- tumor size
- tumor grade
Surgery
The tumor will almost always need to be removed surgically. The procedure known as a lumpectomy, which preserves breast tissue, involves the surgeon removing the tumor and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue. Also, when the entire breast is removed, it is called a mastectomy. However, the alternative is reconstructive surgery.
