Histopathology
Histopathologic classification is based upon characteristics seen upon light microscopy of biopsy specimens. The three most common histopathological types collectively represent approximately three-quarters of breast cancers:
- Invasive ductal carcinoma - 55% of breast cancers
- Ductal carcinoma in situ - 13%
- Invasive lobular carcinoma - 5%
The overall 5-year survival rate for both invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma was approximately 85% in 2003. Ductal carcinoma in situ, on the other hand, is in itself harmless, although if untreated approximately 60% of these low grade DCIS lesions will become invasive over the course of 40 years in follow-up.
Read more about this topic: Breast Cancer Classification