Should I have a mastectomy for DCIS?

[kathy88]

I am 53 and have been diagnosed with DCIS. A core biopsy was performed at 10:30 to 12:00, upper inner quadrant, N+1, DCIS, Cribriform type with focal Necrosis, grade 2 out of 3. Max extent of DCIS in single core: 1.3cm.  The surgeon suggested I should do a mastectomy because the size of DCIS is large relative to my small and densed breast.  Is it too aggressive to have a mastectomy for stage 0 breast cancer?

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear kathy88:  There are two things to consider when evaluating lumpectomy vs mastectomy.  One, how much tissue needs to be removed in order to remove all DCIS (or cancer) and two, once this is accomplished, how much tissue will remain and what will be the cosmetic result.  In many cases, if the amount of tissue that needs to be removed results in such a small amount of remaining tissue that the breast will be distorted or deformed, a mastectomy will often be recommended in order to provide a better cosmetic result.

[sjsandy]

kathy, please do a lot of research on DCIS before you do anything.  DCIS is precancer and not invasive cancer.  Don't over treat it.  It does not always turn into invasive cancer.  Please don't have a mastectomy.  I had a lumpectomy and wish I hadn't now that I have done a lot of research.