Which one of the following is an unfavorable histological type of invasive breast cancer?

Which one of the following is an unfavorable histological type of invasive breast cancer?

• A. Infiltrating ductal carcinoma
• B. Infiltrating lobular carcinoma
• C. Medullary carcinoma
• D. Paget's disease

Answer: (B)

Infiltrating lobular carcinoma is considered an unfavorable histological type of invasive breast cancer compared to other common types. This type of cancer typically has a distinct growth pattern, often described as a "single-file" pattern of invasion, which can make it more difficult to detect in imaging studies and subsequently stage and treat effectively. Unlike infiltrating ductal carcinoma, which is the most common type and usually easier to identify, infiltrating lobular carcinoma often presents at a later stage due to its subtle growth patterns. It is also more frequently associated with bilaterality (the occurrence of cancer in both breasts) and may have unique metastatic patterns, which can complicate management strategies. Medullary carcinoma, while classified as a special type of invasive breast cancer, typically has a better prognosis than infiltrating lobular carcinoma due to its distinct features that tend to indicate a more favorable response to treatment. Paget's disease, although serious and tied to underlying invasive ductal carcinoma, is not classified as an invasive breast cancer type on its own, hence it does not fit the criteria of being an unfavorable histological type as compared to infiltrating lobular carcinoma.

Infiltrating lobular carcinoma is considered an unfavorable histological type of invasive breast cancer compared to other common types. This type of cancer typically has a distinct growth pattern, often described as a "single-file" pattern of invasion, which can make it more difficult to detect in imaging studies and subsequently stage and treat effectively.

Unlike infiltrating ductal carcinoma, which is the most common type and usually easier to identify, infiltrating lobular carcinoma often presents at a later stage due to its subtle growth patterns. It is also more frequently associated with bilaterality (the occurrence of cancer in both breasts) and may have unique metastatic patterns, which can complicate management strategies.

Medullary carcinoma, while classified as a special type of invasive breast cancer, typically has a better prognosis than infiltrating lobular carcinoma due to its distinct features that tend to indicate a more favorable response to treatment. Paget's disease, although serious and tied to underlying invasive ductal carcinoma, is not classified as an invasive breast cancer type on its own, hence it does not fit the criteria of being an unfavorable histological type as compared to infiltrating lobular carcinoma.