The key difference between multifocal and multicentric breast cancer is that multifocal breast cancer has two or more distinct tumors present within the same quadrant of a breast, while multicentric breast cancer has multiple tumors in different quadrants of the same breast.
Breast cancer is the most common tumor and a leading cause of death in women in America. Breast cancer can be divided based on the appearance as multifocal, multicentric, and bilateral. In multifocal breast cancer, we can see more than two tumors within the same quadrant of the breast. In multicentric breast cancer, we can see more than two tumors in different quadrants of the same breast.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Multifocal Breast Cancer
3. What is Multicentric Breast Cancer
4. Similarities – Multifocal and Multicentric Breast Cancer
5. Multifocal vs Multicentric Breast Cancer in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Multifocal vs Multicentric Breast Cancer
What is Multifocal Breast Cancer?
Multifocal breast cancer is a type of breast cancer where multiple tumors can be observed in the same area of the breast tissue. Therefore, at least two invasive tumors develop in the same quadrant. All these tumors arise from one original tumor. Anywhere around 4 to 75 % of breast tumors are multifocal or multicentric.
Figure 01: Multifocal Breast Cancer
Multifocal breast cancer can be divided into five stages, starting from zero to five. These stages range from non-invasive cancer that has not spread to surrounding tissue (stage 0) to metastatic cancer that has spread to various parts of the body (stage IV). Multifocal breast cancer can be diagnosed through breast examination, mammogram, ultrasound, MRI scan, and biopsy. Furthermore, the treatment options for multifocal breast cancer include lumpectomy, mastectomy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
What is Multicentric Breast Cancer?
Multicentric breast cancer is defined as breast cancer where there are multiple tumors in different quadrants of the breast. This type of breast cancer is partly due to improving mammography technology. The incidence of multicentric and multifocal breast cancers (MMBC) is reported between 9 and 75% in high-income countries, depending on the criteria used. For instance, in China, the cases of MMBC are reported to be around 2 %. The reason for this lower percentage is a lack of uniformity in diagnosis. Therefore, standard methods should be used in order to define the incidence of MMBC correctly.
Mutations in tumor suppressor genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and PTEN can be related to the formation of multicentric breast cancer. Multicentric breast cancer can be diagnosed through mammography, histopathology, and genetic testing. Furthermore, treatment options for multicentric breast cancer may include mastectomy, double lumpectomies (breast conservative therapy), chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and breast reconstruction surgery.
What are the Similarities Between Multifocal and Multicentric Breast Cancer?
- Multifocal and multicentric breast cancer are two different types of breast cancers based on appearance.
- They are collectively known as multicentric and multifocal breast cancers (MMBC).
- Both are categorized under multiple primary tumor categories.
- They are caused due to mutations in tumor suppressor genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and PTEN.
- Both can be diagnosed through imaging tests.
- They are treated through respective surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
What is the Difference Between Multifocal and Multicentric Breast Cancer?
Multifocal breast cancer is a breast cancer where there is more than one distinct tumor developed within the same quadrant of the breast, while multicentric breast cancer is a breast cancer where there are multiple tumors developed in different quadrants of the breast. Thus, this is the key difference between multifocal and multicentric breast cancer,
The below infographic presents the differences between multifocal and multicentric breast cancer in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Multifocal vs Multicentric Breast Cancer
Multifocal and multicentric breast cancer are two types of breast cancers based on their appearance, and they are collectively known as multicentric and multifocal breast cancers (MMBC). In multifocal breast cancer, there is more than one distinct tumor within the same quadrant of the breast. In multicentric breast cancer, there are multiple tumors developed in different quadrants of the breast. So, this is the key difference between multifocal and multicentric breast cancer.
Reference:
1. “Multifocal Breast Cancer: Definition, Staging, and Treatment.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International.
2. Masannat, Y A, et al. “Multifocal and Multicentric Breast Cancer, Is It Time to Think Again?” Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, Royal College of Surgeons, Jan. 2020.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Breast invasive lobular carcinoma (2)” By KGH – Personal collection of histopathologic slides (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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