Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the world, especially among women (although some men also get it). One of the most serious forms of breast cancer is invasive ductal carcinoma, since it can spread to other areas of the body, causing metastases that interfere with the functioning of vital organs.
Precursor to Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
Before invasive ductal carcinoma develops, it begins as a less dangerous condition known as ductal carcinoma in situ, in which the milk producing glands in the breast become cancerous. However, at this early stage, the cancerous cells are still restricted to the original ducts where they began and are merely abnormally dividing cells.
Transition to Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
The top risk factor for the development of invasive ductal carcinoma is untreated ductal carcinoma in situ. Over time, the in situ cancerous cells can develop the ability to invade other tissues, which leads directly to invasive ductal carcinoma. The best way to prevent ductal carcinoma in situ from becoming invasive is to remove it surgically and then treat the breast with radiation.
Genetics of Ductal Carcinoma
All cases of cancer, including ductal carcinoma, are different. What underlies all cases of cancer, however, are genetic mutations that build up over time, changing the nature of the cell. Some of these mutations cause the cells to divide too quickly, whereas other ones stop it from responding to signals to slow growth. Some cancers develop because of genetic mutations that make other genetic mutations happen more quickly, due to the loss of proteins responsible for repairing DNA. One of the hallmarks of invasive cancers, such as invasive ductal carcinoma, is the production of proteins that allow the cells to break through the connective tissue that holds them in place and expand to other areas of the body. While there are some hereditary genes that can make someone more likely to develop breast cancer, ultimately this is a disease that occurs over time and can be influenced by many factors.
Genetic Risk Factors
Because invasive ductal carcinoma requires ductal carcinoma in situ to form first, anything that increases the risk of that condition can lead to invasive ductal carcinoma. Although the genetic factors that cause cancer are somewhat random and do vary, there are some risk factors that increase their likelihood: age, certain inherited genetic abnormalities (such as unusual mutations in the BRCA 1 and 2 genes) or a family history of breast cancer. In addition, people with unusually dense breast tissue are more likely to develop ductal carcinoma.
Controllable Risk Factors
Some risk factors are more a function of a person's lifestyle and, as a result, can be changed to lower the risk of invasive ductal carcinoma. Women who have children later in life (or not at all) have an increased risk of developing ductal carcinomas because of the hormonal fluctuations that come with the menstrual cycle. Women who use birth control pills or receive hormone replacement therapy (after menopause) also have an increased risk. Alcohol use (especially in large quantities), obesity, and a lack of exercise also increase the chances of the development of invasive ductal carcinoma.
Tags: invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive ductal, ductal carcinoma, ductal carcinoma, carcinoma situ, ductal carcinoma situ, genetic mutations
