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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
DCIS grade 2 confused.
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
DCIS grade 2 confused.
by Carol in Pittsburgh, Mar 25, 2005 12:00AM
DCIS grade 2 confused.
Now I'm really confused. Will I have to have my breast removed with DCIS even if it shows signs of invasive cancer? Would the mammogram or biopsy have shown that was the case?
If DCIS is slow growing limited to the ducts, what is the likelihood especially given that I've had yearly mammograms that never showed any evidence of micro calcifications that this would be invasive? I do not have a history of any cancer in my family. If it were invasive, is it likely that I could do the lumpectomy w/radiation? I am so afraid of having my breast removed and chemotherapy. What is the likelihood of this?
I meet with my breast surgeon next Monday...I've been trying to gather all the info that I can until that time. I've been really scared by all of this.
Thank you for your time.
Carol
Now I'm really confused. Will I have to have my breast removed with DCIS even if it shows signs of invasive cancer? Would the mammogram or biopsy have shown that was the case?
If DCIS is slow growing limited to the ducts, what is the likelihood especially given that I've had yearly mammograms that never showed any evidence of micro calcifications that this would be invasive? I do not have a history of any cancer in my family. If it were invasive, is it likely that I could do the lumpectomy w/radiation? I am so afraid of having my breast removed and chemotherapy. What is the likelihood of this?
I meet with my breast surgeon next Monday...I've been trying to gather all the info that I can until that time. I've been really scared by all of this.
Thank you for your time.
Carol
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Mar 25, 2005 12:00AM
Dear Carol: A diagnosis of DCIS does not necessarily mean that a mastectomy is required. Surgery generally involves removing the entire area of concern on the mammogram and it is preferable if negative margins (a rim of normal tissue around the cancer) are achieved at the time of surgery. Frequently, this can be accomplished with a "lumpectomy" also known as a partial mastectomy and this is true for both DCIS as well as for invasive cancer. When you meet with your surgeon on Monday, he or she should be better able to answer your questions specifically as they pertain to your situation.
