Has Cancer Invaded Lymph or Blood Vessels?

The pathologist will also check to see if cancer cells have broken into the normal lymphatic channels and blood vessels within the breast. These are the "highways" that carry fluid and blood around the body, bringing in nourishment and removing the waste products of cell life. They connect the breast tissue to other parts of the body. If cancer cells are found in the fluid within lymph channels or blood vessels, the cells may be filtered out and trapped in the lymph nodes. Having cancer cells invade the fluid channels of the breast increases the risk that cancer cells may have also traveled to areas beyond the breast.

Normal breast with cancer cells invading the lymph channels and blood vessels in the breast tissue

Breast Profile

A blood vessels

B lymphatic channels



Enlargement

A Normal duct cell

B Cancer cells

C Basement membrane

D Lymphatic channel

E Blood vessel

F Breast tissue