Some thoughts about the differences between Invasive and non-invasive breast cancer.

Invasive Breast Cancer

Invasive breast cancer is sometimes called infiltrating.  The cancers spread outside the membrances that lines the duct or lobule; thus can travel to other parts of the body.  Stage I, II, III, or IV breast cancer is invasive breast cancer.

Non-invasive is also called in-situ.

The cancer cells have remained within their place of origin.  DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In-Situ) is considered a precancerous lesion.  LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In-Situ) isn’t considered precancerous because it won’t eventually evolve itself into a invasive cancer; however, it doesn increase the risk of cancer in both breasts.  Thus LCIS can be considered a marker for increased breast cancer risk.