What Breast Conditions Do You Treat?
Breast conditions we treat include:
- Ductal carcinoma — The most common type of breast cancer, invasive ductal carcinoma, accounts for 70% to 80% of breast cancer cases in women and 90% in men. It may be preceded by ductal carcinoma in situ.
- Estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer — A type of breast cancer in which the cancer cells have estrogen and/or progesterone hormone receptors.
- HER2-negative breast cancer — A type of breast cancer diagnosed when the cancer cells lack HER2 proteins.
- Inflammatory breast cancer — A rare, aggressive type of breast cancer that causes reddening and swelling of your breast.
- Lobular carcinoma — The second most common type of breast cancer, invasive lobular carcinoma accounts for 10% of breast cancer cases in women. It begins in the glands that produce milk.
- Luminal A breast cancer — A subtype of hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer that starts in your breast duct lining.
- Luminal B breast cancer — A subtype of hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer that starts in your breast duct lining.
- Metastatic breast cancer — Occurs when breast cancer spreads from your breast to other areas of your body.
- Mucinous breast cancer — A rare subtype of breast cancer that occurs when cancer cells form inside proteins called mucin.
- Multifocal breast cancer — Occurs when two or more tumors that originate from one primary tumor develop in the same area of the breast.
- Paget’s disease of the nipple — A rare condition that accounts for 1% of breast cancer cases, Paget’s disease of the nipple causes redness and irritation of the nipple on one breast.
- Papillary breast cancer — A rare, slow-growing type of breast cancer that starts in your milk ducts.
- Pleural effusion and breast cancer — A collection of fluid in the space between your lung and chest wall, known as the pleural space. This can occur after a breast cancer diagnosis.
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) — Triple-negative breast cancer is aggressive and occurs in 15 percent of breast cancer cases. Because the cancer cells don’t have hormone receptors or HER2 proteins, triple-negative breast cancer can be challenging to treat.
- Ulcerating (Fungating) breast cancer— A rare condition that occurs when a breast tumor grows outward, breaking through the skin and creating an open wound that looks like a mushroom or cauliflower.
Benign (Noncancerous) Breast Conditions
Our breast care team also provides expert treatment for benign (noncancerous) breast conditions, including:
- Abscesses — A collection of pus that can sometimes form in conjunction with an infection called mastitis.
- Fibroadenomas — Solid, benign breast tumors.
- Fibrocystic breast disease — Changes in breast tissue, such as the development of cysts and thickening of breast tissue (fibrosis).
- Nipple discharge — Occurs when fluid leaks from the nipple and may be caused by injury, infection, or a benign tumor.
- Mastitis — An infection in the breast that causes swelling and increased blood flow.
- Phyllodes tumors — Large, fast-growing tumors that form in the connective tissues.
Breast Cancer in Men
Although breast cancer primarily occurs in women, it can also develop in men. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1% of breast cancer cases in the United States are diagnosed in men.
Both males and females are born with breast tissue. During puberty, female hormones cause girls' breast tissue to grow into functional breasts, but male hormones suppress breast growth in boys.
Although breast cancer in men is rare, it is still a serious condition that requires personalized care. At UPMC, our experts provide advanced care for men with all types of breast cancer at every stage of the disease.
Breast Cancer Under Age 50
Each year in the United States, nearly 11,000 women under age 50 will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Having breast cancer is overwhelming at any age, but women diagnosed before age 50 face a unique set of challenges. At UPMC, we provide younger women with knowledge, guidance, encouragement, and comfort as they navigate their breast cancer treatment and recovery.
Breast Cancer Associated with Pregnancy
Breast cancer can occur at any time, including during pregnancy. It's the most common form of cancer in pregnancy, affecting approximately one in 3,000 women.
Although pregnancy itself does not cause breast cancer, and breast cancer itself does not harm the developing fetus, it requires specialized treatment. At UPMC, our experts offer a full range of treatment options and will develop a personalized plan to reduce risks for both mother and baby.
Why Choose UPMC for Breast Care?
When you choose UPMC for breast care, you will receive:
- Comprehensive breast care expertise — The breast care experts at UPMC provide state-of-the-art care for every form of breast cancer at every stage of the disease.
- Personalized, collaborative care — Our surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists work together to plan the best course of therapy for you.
- Supportive services tailored to your needs — Our approach to breast cancer care honors your preferences by blending advanced clinical methods with supportive services for the best possible results.
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-09-18.
