< Breast Cancer

Medullary

About Medullary

Medullary carcinoma of the breast is a rare subtype of invasive ductal carcinoma (cancer that begins in the milk duct and spreads beyond it), accounting for about 3-5% of all cases of breast cancer. It is called “medullary” carcinoma because the tumor is a soft, fleshy mass that resembles a part of the brain called the medulla.

Medullary carcinoma cells are usually high-grade in their appearance and low-grade in their behavior. In other words, they look like aggressive, highly abnormal cancer cells, but they don’t act like them. Medullary carcinoma doesn’t grow quickly and usually doesn’t spread outside the breast to the lymph nodes. For this reason, it’s typically easier to treat than other types of breast cancer.

---

Symptoms

Like other types of breast cancer, medullary carcinoma may not cause any symptoms at first. Over time, a lump can form, and it may be soft and fleshy or somewhat firm to the touch. Most medullary carcinomas are small — less than 2 centimeters in size. Medullary carcinoma also may cause pain, swelling, redness, or tenderness in the breast.

---

Risk Factors

Medullary carcinoma can occur at any age, but it usually affects women in their late 40s and early 50s. Medullary carcinoma is more common in women who have a BRCA1 mutation. Studies have shown that medullary carcinoma is also more common in Japan than in the United States.