Invasive Breast Cancer

Invasive breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells from inside the milk ducts or lobules break out into nearby breast tissue.

Cancer cells can travel from the breast to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system. They may travel early in the process when a tumor is small, or later when a tumor is large.

If breast cancer spreads, the axillary lymph nodes (lymph nodes in the underarm area) are usually the first place it’s likely to go.

Learn about treatment for invasive breast cancer.

Find statistics on breast cancer.

Metastatic breast cancer

Metastatic breast cancer (also called stage IV or advanced breast cancer) is invasive breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body (most often the bones, lungs, liver or brain).

Metastatic breast cancer is not a specific type of breast cancer, it’s the most advanced stage of breast cancer.

Learn about treatment for metastatic breast cancer.  

The following is a 3D interactive model showing invasive breast cancer, including Stage I to Stage IV (metastatic breast cancer). Click the arrows to move through the model to learn more about breast cancer.

Most common invasive breast cancers

• Invasive ductal carcinoma (also called infiltrating ductal carcinoma) begins in the milk ducts (canals that carry milk from the lobules to the nipple openings during breastfeeding). It’s the most common invasive breast cancer (70%-80% of all invasive breast cancers) [3-4].
• Invasive lobular carcinoma begins in the lobules (small round sacs that produce milk for breastfeeding). It’s the next most common invasive breast cancer (about 10%-15% of all invasive breast cancers) [3-4].

Less common invasive breast cancers and carcinoma in situ

• Inflammatory breast cancer (also called IBC) is an aggressive breast cancer. It’s called inflammatory breast cancer because the main warning signs are inflammation (swelling) and redness in the breast. Warning signs tend to arise within weeks or months. With other breast cancers, warning signs may not occur for years.
• Paget disease of the breast (Paget disease of the nipple) is a carcinoma in situ in the skin of the nipple or in the skin closely surrounding the nipple. It’s usually found with an underlying breast cancer.
• Metaplastic breast cancers tend to be larger in size and have a higher tumor grade than more common breast cancers. Metaplastic breast cancers can be hard to diagnose because the tumor cells can look very different from the tumor cells of more common breast cancers.

Prognosis for invasive breast cancer

Prognosis (chance of survival) for invasive breast cancer depends on each person’s diagnosis and treatment.

For example, people diagnosed with early-stage breast cancers have a better prognosis than those diagnosed with more advanced breast cancers.

Learn more about factors that affect prognosis.

Treatment for early and locally advanced invasive breast cancers

Treatment for early and locally advanced invasive breast cancer includes some combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and drug therapy (such as chemotherapy).

The specific treatments depend on the cancer stage and the characteristics of the tumor, such as hormone receptor status and HER2 status.

Learn more about treatment for early and locally advanced breast cancers.

Learn about treatment for metastatic breast cancer.

Learn more about breast cancer stages and staging.

Learn more about factors that affect breast cancer treatment.

Susan G. Komen® Support Resources

Do you need help? We’re here for you. The Komen Patient Care Center is your trusted, go-to source for timely, accurate breast health and breast cancer information, services and resources. Our navigators offer free, personalized support to patients, caregivers and family members, including education, emotional support, financial assistance, help accessing care and more. Get connected to a Komen navigator by contacting the Breast Care Helpline at 1-877-465-6636 or email helpline@komen.org to get started. All calls are answered Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET and Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. Se habla español. The Komen Breast Cancer and Komen Metastatic (Stage IV) Breast Cancer Facebook groups are places where those with breast cancer and their family and friends can talk with others for friendship and support. Our Real Pink podcast series features candid conversations with breast cancer patients, survivors, researchers, physicians and more. Our fact sheets, booklets and other education materials offer additional information.

Updated 06/03/25

This content is regularly reviewed by an expert panel including researchers, practicing clinicians and patient advocates.