Expert Care for All Breast Cancer Types

At the Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center, we work closely with leading radiologists (imaging experts), who use the most advanced technology available for accurate images. Our specialized radiologists are able to view and understand each patient’s type of breast cancer.

We also offer both genetic and genomic testing to determine which markers may be present or absent in your cancer in order to develop the most specific care plans possible. These different tests inform our multidisciplinary care team in order to develop the most effective treatment plans.

Leading, Compassionate Care for All Types of Breast Cancer

The doctors at the Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center are passionate about helping all breast cancer patients with the most effective, personalized treatment plans for the best possible health and lifelong well-being.

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)

“In situ” means “in the original place.” DCIS is a type of breast cancer that occurs in the milk duct (tube) lining and is not found in other breast tissue or any other area of the body. It is highly treatable, especially when detected early.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

IBC is a rare, but fast-growing and aggressive type of breast cancer that spreads to the breast tissue and lymph vessels. It accounts for less than 5 percent of all breast cancer diagnoses.

IBC is a rapidly progressing and very aggressive condition in which cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin of the breast. This type of breast cancer is called “inflammatory” because the breast often looks swollen or inflamed. It may also cause changes in skin coloration.

IBC progresses rapidly, often in a matter of weeks or months. At diagnosis, IBC is either stage III or IV, depending on whether cancer cells have spread only to nearby lymph nodes or to other tissues as well.

IBC is often misdiagnosed as mastitis or another type of breast infection. This is why it is important to seek expert care if you experience any IBC symptoms. If you have been diagnosed with mastitis and still experience symptoms after one week of treatment, be sure to seek out care from a breast specialist.

At the Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center, our team includes experts in IBC diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Massimo Cristofanilli leads the Inflammatory Breast Cancer International Consortium dedicated to research and care for this subset of breast cancer.

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

The most common type of breast cancer, IDC, occurs when cancer cells form in the milk duct and spread to other parts of the breast tissue. IDC cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body. When men are diagnosed with breast cancer, IDC is the most common type.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)

ILC is the second most common type of breast cancer. This is an invasive type of breast cancer that begins in the lobules (milk-producing glands) and spreads to other parts of the breast tissue.

Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)

“In situ” means “in the original place.” LCIS is a type of breast cancer that occurs in the lobules (milk-producing glands) and is not found in other breast tissue or any other area of the body. LCIS is highly treatable, especially when detected early.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer

This type of breast cancer occurs in roughly 10 to 20 percent of all breast cancer patients. It is most likely to affect Black and Hispanic patients, patients younger than 45 and those with the BRCA1 gene mutation. Triple negative breast cancer may progress rapidly.

This type of breast cancer is called “triple negative” because the cancer cells have tested negative for three types of receptors: hormone epidermal growth factor receptor 2, estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors. This means that hormone therapy is not an effective treatment option; chemotherapy is the most effective.H

HER2-Enriched Breast Cancer

This molecular subtype of breast cancer is estrogen receptor-negative, progesterone receptor-negative and HER2-positive. This type of breast cancer can be successfully treated with medicines that target the HER2 protein.

Personalized Treatment for All Types of Breast Cancer

Our team cares for all breast cancer patients with compassion and the most personalized treatment, based on the specific type of breast cancer.

Individual treatment plans may include precision medicine, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, or other targeted treatment options that are guided by information gathered by genetic and pathology tests.

As a patient at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian, you will have access to leading research, clinical trials and cooperative group trials that will potentially improve medical understanding, care and outcomes for all types of breast cancer. Weill Cornell Medicine partners with NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S., nationally recognized for compassionate, exemplary care.