The branch of pathology which deals with the research and diagnosis of
disease by studying the molecules inside organ, tissues and bodily
fluids is termed as molecular pathology. It is generally used to
diagnose infectious diseases and cancer. Breast cancer is a type of
cancer in which the breast cells grow abnormally. Such cancerous cells
divide faster than healthy cells. Breast cancer mostly develops in cells
from the lining of milk ducts and the lobules which supply milk to these
ducts. The progression of breast cancer from the perspective of
molecular pathology views it as a linear process with different steps.
It begins as flat epithelial atypia (FEA), progresses to atypical ductal
hyperplasia (ADH), transforms into DCIS and finally results in the
potentially lethal stage of invasive ductal carcinoma. This book
attempts to understand the molecular pathology of breast cancer. It is
an upcoming area of research that has undergone rapid development over
the past few decades. Those with an interest in this field would find
this book helpful.