Which type of breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed as invasive?

Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most commonly diagnosed type of breast cancer, accounting for approximately 80% of all invasive breast cancer cases. This type of cancer starts in the milk ducts of the breast and has the ability to invade surrounding breast tissue, which can increase the potential for metastasis to other parts of the body.

The invasive nature of ductal carcinoma means that it is recognized as a significant factor in treatment decisions and prognosis. It typically presents with a distinct mass or lump and can be detected through various imaging techniques such as mammograms. Furthermore, its status can impact treatment options, as different biological characteristics may require tailored therapeutic approaches.

While other types such as infiltrating lobular carcinoma, triple negative carcinoma, and Paget's disease of the nipple do exist, they occur less frequently compared to infiltrating ductal carcinoma. This distinction reinforces the importance of recognizing invasive ductal carcinoma as the predominant form of breast cancer in clinical practice.