DCIS : Understanding DCIS

Understanding DCIS
- Causes of DCIS
- Genetic Testing
- Self Advocacy
- Decisions
- Screening
- Getting a Biopsy
- When DCIS is Diagnosed
- Getting a Second Opinion
- Psychological Impact
- Understanding Risk
- Treatment

Dictionary

FAQ's

Resources

References

Acknowledgements

Treatment Summary

The treatment of DCIS is focused on
(1) removing all DCIS from the breast by surgically removing the involved area or the entire breast; and (2) preventing the development of more DCIS or invasive breast cancer in either breast.

The risk of developing invasive or metastatic breast cancer is dramatically reduced when all affected areas are removed, leaving a good margin of healthy tissue.

Treatment Main Page
Taking Time
Staging
DCIS Treatment Options
Breast-Conserving Surgery
Mastectomy
Reconstructive Surgery
Radiation Therapy
Adjuvant Hormonal Therapy
Clinical Trials
Follow-Up
Treatment Summary
Recurrence

When comparing treatments — breast conservation (with or without radiation) and total mastectomy — the survival rates are very similar, nearly 100%. Local recurrence can be a problem and this may be due to inadequate examination of the surgical specimen at the margins of the breast tissue. Follow-up care and early detection of any recurrence is very important.

There is still much for medical science to learn about DCIS. Make the best decisions you can and move forward with your treatment.