Breast Cancer

Doctors classify breast cancer in different ways, such as where the cancer started and whether the cancer cells have certain features. Our experienced specialists treat all types of breast cancer, including:

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) 

DCIS starts in the tubes that carry milk to the nipple (ducts). It is an early form of cancer (precancer) that hasn’t spread to other breast tissue. Because DCIS can turn into invasive cancer, we typically recommend surgery and other therapies to reduce this risk. 

Invasive ductal carcinoma 

This type of breast cancer starts in the ducts and spreads to other breast tissue. It is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. 

Invasive lobular carcinoma 

This cancer starts in the sac-like structures that make milk (lobules) and spreads to surrounding breast tissue. About 10% of breast cancers are invasive lobular carcinoma. 

Inflammatory breast cancer 

This rare but fast-growing breast cancer is usually a type of invasive ductal carcinoma. The cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin and breast, causing inflammation, swelling, and redness.  

Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer 

Hormone receptor-positive (HR+) means the cancer cells have receptors for estrogen, progesterone, or both. When these hormones bind to the receptors, they stimulate cancer cell growth. Hormone therapy, which reduces hormone levels, is an important treatment for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and progesterone receptor-positive (PR+) breast cancer. About 75% of breast cancers are HR+. 

HER2+ breast cancer

HER2 is a protein some cancer cells make that speeds cell growth. HER2+ breast cancer has higher levels of this protein, so it tends to spread quickly. Drugs that target HER2 protein production slow cell growth and are often effective treatments for HER2+ breast cancer. 

Triple-negative breast cancer 

This type of breast cancer doesn’t have estrogen or progesterone receptors or produce HER2 protein. Triple-negative breast cancer can be difficult to treat because it doesn’t respond to hormone therapy or HER2-targeted therapy drugs. New therapies are being developed to give hope to people with this type of breast cancer. 

Metastatic breast cancer 

Breast cancer usually spreads first to lymph nodes near the breast. When it spreads to other parts of the body, it’s called metastatic breast cancer. Advanced treatments are helping people with metastatic breast cancer live longer, more active lives.  

Male breast cancer 

Men can also develop breast cancer, although it’s less common than in women. In the U.S., about 1% of new breast cancer diagnoses are in men. 

In many cases, you can’t change your risk factors for breast cancer. For example, your age, race, and ethnicity are part of who you are.

The main risk factors you can change are those related to your lifestyle. Research shows that adopting healthy habits can lower your risk. Steps you can take include:  

• Exercise regularly
• Limit alcohol use
• Maintain a healthy weight  
   

Genetic Risk Evaluation and Testing (GREAT) Program

If you have a family history of breast cancer, proactive care can help prevent breast cancer or detect it early. Our testing program looks for inherited genes associated with breast cancer. 

Learn more about genetic testing

The signs of breast cancer vary and may include changes in your breast and nearby lymph nodes. Some people have no signs, especially in the early stages of the disease.  

If you notice any changes, it’s important to see a doctor right away to determine the cause. Breast cancer symptoms include:  

• Lump or mass in the breast, under the arm, or around the collarbone
• Change in breast size or shape
• Nipple retraction (turning inward) or unusual discharge
• Pain in the breast, armpit, or nipple that doesn’t go away
• Skin changes on the breast or nipple, including redness, dry flakes, dimpling (like an orange peel), or puckering
• Swelling of the breast or lymph nodes 

Breast Cancer Screeing and Diagnosis

Breast cancer is usually detected when people notice symptoms or there’s an unusual finding on a screening test. Finding out you have breast cancer can be difficult to process. It’s normal to feel many emotions and have many questions. Our team is here to help you cope and understand what your diagnosis means for your treatment and future. 

Breast cancer screening  

Screening tests are those you have before you experience any symptoms. Routine breast cancer screening can detect cancer in its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective. For most people, screening should occur every two years beginning at age 40. If it’s been a while since your last screening test or you’ve never had one, you should speak with your doctor.  Screening tests for breast cancer include:

Clinical breast exam 
This test involves an examination of your breasts, underarms, and the area around your collarbone. Your doctor uses the pads of their fingers to check for lumps or irregularities.  

Mammogram 
A mammogram is a special type of X-ray that can detect abnormal areas in your breast. The machine briefly squeezes your breast between two plastic plates to get a high-quality picture.  

Breast ultrasound 
A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to produce detailed images of your breast. Your doctor may recommend a breast ultrasound if you have dense breasts, which can hide cancer on a mammogram.  

Breast MRI 
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) creates pictures using radio waves and magnetic fields. MRI imaging is often used along with a mammogram to screen women at high risk for breast cancer. 
 

Can I get screened at Texas Oncology? 

Typically, patients come to us after being screened. However, if you live in the Amarillo area, we offer breast cancer screening services at Texas Breast Specialists–Amarillo. If you live outside of Amarillo, you can search for breast cancer screening providers at healthytexaswomen.org.
 

Breast cancer diagnosis

If you have symptoms or a screening test finds an area of concern in your breast, your doctor will likely refer you to a breast cancer surgeon. At Texas Oncology, our breast cancer experts provide in-depth assessments to diagnose or rule out breast cancer.

Your evaluation may include additional imaging tests. Diagnostic mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs can provide more detailed information to assist the diagnostic process.  

Your doctor will also likely recommend a breast biopsy. A biopsy is the only way to conclusively diagnose breast cancer. In this test, your doctor removes a sample of tissue and sends it to a laboratory. A pathologist uses a microscope to look for cancer cells. If cancer is found, they typically test the tissue for hormone receptors and HER2 proteins.  

Breast biopsies fall into two broad categories — needle and surgical. Your doctor will determine the right type for you based on your condition.  
 

Stages of breast cancer  

The breast cancer staging system provides information about the extent of cancer and your outlook. The breast cancer stage includes critical details about:

• Tumor size
• Spread to nearby lymph nodes
• Spread (metastasis) beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes
• Estrogen and progesterone hormone-receptor status
• HER2 protein status
• Tumor grade (how abnormal the cells are and how fast they’re growing)  

Because there are so many factors involved in staging, the system is complex. In general, the stages range from 0 to IV.

• Stage 0: Noninvasive cancer that has not spread beyond the ducts or lobules
• Stage I: Early cancer that has not spread to nearby lymph nodes
• Stage II:  A larger tumor that may involve lymph nodes
• Stage III: Cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes
• Stage IV: Metastatic breast cancer 

Radiation oncologists use targeted radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. After surgery, a radiation oncologist may deliver targeted radiation to lymph nodes where cancer cells may have spread.

Advanced Practice Providers (APP) include nurse practitioners and physician assistants who work in collaboration with your doctors to deliver care. They conduct follow-up visits, coordinate care, and prescribe some medications. 

Leading expertise
Our specialists trained at leading institutions across the country. They bring their extensive knowledge and skills of treating each case.

Trusted expertise
Our specialists trained at leading institutions across the country. They bring their extensive knowledge and experience to each patient.

Experts close to home
We make it as easy as possible to access the care you need. With locations across the state, you are likely to find a provider near where you live and work.

Care tailored to you
We are equal partners in your care and provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision for you.  

Breast Cancer Screeing and Diagnosis

Breast cancer is usually detected when people notice symptoms or there’s an unusual finding on a screening test. Finding out you have breast cancer can be difficult to process. It’s normal to feel many emotions and have many questions. Our team is here to help you cope and understand what your diagnosis means for your treatment and future. 

Breast cancer screening  

Screening tests are those you have before you experience any symptoms. Routine breast cancer screening can detect cancer in its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective. For most people, screening should occur every two years beginning at age 40. If it’s been a while since your last screening test or you’ve never had one, you should speak with your doctor.  Screening tests for breast cancer include:

Clinical breast exam 
This test involves an examination of your breasts, underarms, and the area around your collarbone. Your doctor uses the pads of their fingers to check for lumps or irregularities.  

Mammogram 
A mammogram is a special type of X-ray that can detect abnormal areas in your breast. The machine briefly squeezes your breast between two plastic plates to get a high-quality picture.  

Breast ultrasound 
A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to produce detailed images of your breast. Your doctor may recommend a breast ultrasound if you have dense breasts, which can hide cancer on a mammogram.  

Breast MRI 
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) creates pictures using radio waves and magnetic fields. MRI imaging is often used along with a mammogram to screen women at high risk for breast cancer. 
 

Can I get screened at Texas Oncology? 

Typically, patients come to us after being screened. However, if you live in the Amarillo area, we offer breast cancer screening services at Texas Breast Specialists–Amarillo. If you live outside of Amarillo, you can search for breast cancer screening providers at healthytexaswomen.org.
 

Breast cancer diagnosis

If you have symptoms or a screening test finds an area of concern in your breast, your doctor will likely refer you to a breast cancer surgeon. At Texas Oncology, our breast cancer experts provide in-depth assessments to diagnose or rule out breast cancer.

Your evaluation may include additional imaging tests. Diagnostic mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs can provide more detailed information to assist the diagnostic process.  

Your doctor will also likely recommend a breast biopsy. A biopsy is the only way to conclusively diagnose breast cancer. In this test, your doctor removes a sample of tissue and sends it to a laboratory. A pathologist uses a microscope to look for cancer cells. If cancer is found, they typically test the tissue for hormone receptors and HER2 proteins.  

Breast biopsies fall into two broad categories — needle and surgical. Your doctor will determine the right type for you based on your condition.  
 

Stages of breast cancer  

The breast cancer staging system provides information about the extent of cancer and your outlook. The breast cancer stage includes critical details about:

• Tumor size
• Spread to nearby lymph nodes
• Spread (metastasis) beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes
• Estrogen and progesterone hormone-receptor status
• HER2 protein status
• Tumor grade (how abnormal the cells are and how fast they’re growing)  

Because there are so many factors involved in staging, the system is complex. In general, the stages range from 0 to IV.

• Stage 0: Noninvasive cancer that has not spread beyond the ducts or lobules
• Stage I: Early cancer that has not spread to nearby lymph nodes
• Stage II:  A larger tumor that may involve lymph nodes
• Stage III: Cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes
• Stage IV: Metastatic breast cancer 

Radiation oncologists use targeted radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. After surgery, a radiation oncologist may deliver targeted radiation to lymph nodes where cancer cells may have spread.

Advanced Practice Providers (APP) include nurse practitioners and physician assistants who work in collaboration with your doctors to deliver care. They conduct follow-up visits, coordinate care, and prescribe some medications. 

Leading expertise
Our specialists trained at leading institutions across the country. They bring their extensive knowledge and skills of treating each case.

Trusted expertise
Our specialists trained at leading institutions across the country. They bring their extensive knowledge and experience to each patient.

Experts close to home
We make it as easy as possible to access the care you need. With locations across the state, you are likely to find a provider near where you live and work.

Care tailored to you
We are equal partners in your care and provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision for you.