Invasive cancer

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Invasive cancer is a type of cancer that has spread from the place where it first started to other parts of the body. It is also known as metastatic cancer.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Invasive cancer begins in a specific group of cells and as it grows, it invades the surrounding tissues. This is a key characteristic that differentiates it from benign tumors, which do not invade other tissues. Invasive cancer has the ability to spread (metastasize) to distant parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems.

Types of Invasive Cancer[edit | edit source]

There are many types of invasive cancer, including:

  • Invasive ductal carcinoma: This is the most common type of breast cancer. It starts in the milk ducts of the breast and then invades the surrounding breast tissue.
  • Invasive lobular carcinoma: This type of breast cancer starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules) of the breast and then invades the surrounding tissue.
  • Invasive bladder cancer: This type of cancer starts in the innermost layer of the bladder and then invades the muscle wall of the bladder or other surrounding tissues or organs.
  • Invasive melanoma: This is a type of skin cancer that starts in the melanocytes (cells that produce pigment) and then invades the deeper layers of the skin or other parts of the body.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of invasive cancer typically involves a combination of physical exams, imaging tests, and biopsies. The specific tests used will depend on the type of cancer suspected and the patient's symptoms.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment of invasive cancer depends on the type of cancer, its stage, and the patient's overall health. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, or a combination of these.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for invasive cancer varies widely depending on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Invasive cancer Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD