radio therapy and DCIS

Just had 2 ops for DCIS 24mm Grade 3  not outside the margin right breast.  Dont know enough about radiation therapy to make a decision to have the treatment.  Drs have strongly recommended to. Have researched on internet side effects. Need to know percentages for reoccurance with and without treatment. I do have other calsification sites in right and left breast not active. Very confused and worried about making  right decision as to what to do next.  


This discussion is related to Radiation therapy only for DCIS.

[zouzi]

Hi,
According to the latest National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, the recommended treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is either mastectomy alone or lumpectomy plus radiation. Radiotherapy is added to the lumpectomy because it decreases local recurrence rates by 50% compared to lumpectomy alone.  

Lumpectomy alone, without subsequent radiotherapy, may be an appropriate treatment if the DCIS is considered to have a "low risk" of recurrence. The risk of recurrence depends on certain factors such as size, tumor grade, age of patient and status of surgical margins.  "Low risk" refers to a tumor which is small, with low tumor grade, and negative surgical margin.
I would advise you to follow your doctor's recommendation since your tumor(Grade 3)
is considered high risk.
Please discuss with your oncologist concerning this matter,only he/she can best advise you about what needs to be done, to better protect you in the long run.
Wishing you all the best and a speedy recovery...

[Ma111]

I agree with the above and encourage you have have radiation.