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Main page Breast cancer Book marks Links More info Structure of the breastThe circle of darker skin around the nipple is called the areola. The breast is composed of two main types of tissues: glandular tissues and stromal (supporting) tissues. The main function of the breast is to produce and secrete milk, and it is made up of milk glands, milk tubes (ducts) and fatty tissue. Tumors can either be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). Some tumor types especially the benign tumors take decades to develop. The glands where the milk is made are grouped into lobules and the ducts carry the milk to the nipple. Malignant tumors penetrate and destroy healthy body tissues. A group of cells within a tumor may also break away and spread to other parts of the body. This is known as metastasis. Within the breast, the glands and ducts are surrounded and protected by fatty tissue. The term, breast cancer, refers to a malignant tumor that has developed from cells in the breast. Glandular tissues contains the milk-producing glands milk ducts while stromal tissues include fatty and fibrous connective tissues of the breast. The breast is also made up of lymphatic tissue-immune system tissue that removes cellular fluids and waste. There are several types of tumors that may develop within different areas of the breast. Most tumors are the result of benign (non-cancerous) changes within the breast. Ovarian cancer |