Cancer Research UK logo.
SearchDonate
  • Search

Breast cancer

Types of breast cancer and related breast conditions

There are different types of breast cancer and breast conditions. Invasive breast cancer or invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer.

Find out about each type of breast cancer or condition. Each type includes a summary of what they are, the symptoms, how they are diagnosed and the treatment you might have.

Invasive breast cancer

Invasive breast cancer is the most common type of breast cancer. Most invasive breast cancers have no special features and are classed as No Special Type (NST).

Invasive lobular breast cancer

Invasive lobular breast cancer is the second most common type of breast cancer. It's also known as invasive lobular carcinoma.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is an early breast cancer. It means that some of the cells lining the breast ducts have started to turn into cancer cells. Find out about the symptoms, how common it is, treatment and research into DCIS.

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)

LCIS isn't cancer. LCIS means that some cells lining the lobules of the breast tissue have started to become abnormal.

Triple negative breast cancer

Triple negative breast cancer is a type of breast cancer. It means that the breast cancer cells don’t have receptors for the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, and a protein called HER2.

Inflammatory breast cancer

This is a rare type of breast cancer. The breast might look swollen and red (inflamed) and may feel warm.

Last reviewed: 26 May 2023

Next review due: 26 May 2026

The Dangoor Education logo.

Dangoor Education

About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education

Patient Information Forum. Trusted Information Creator.
Plain English Campaign award.

Help and Support

An icon of a hand shake.

Questions for your doctor

What to ask your doctor about clinical trials.

An icon of two speech bubbles, indicating a conversation.

Cancer chat forum

Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.

An icon of a landline phone.

Nurse helpline

Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.