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Difference in diagnosis

Helly
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I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.  At the consultation I was told it was grade 1/2 DCIS. I asked if it was invasive and was told it was.  However, all communication since and that with the GP simply states DCIS.  I don't understand what the difference is and why the registrar was at pains to tell me it was invasive?  When I asked about further tests after lumpectomy I was told they already know what they are dealing with.  Does this mean there will be no need for oncotyping?  Thanks

  • Hello and thank you for your post.

    I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis and the confusion you have with your diagnosis.

    DCIS (Ductal Cancer In Situ) is not an invasive breast cancer.  However,  sometimes it is possible for invasive cancer to be close to it, so when it is biopsied it can be picked up. I am not sure if this explains your situation.

    Also, after the lumpectomy is done all the tissue taken is sent to the pathologist so that it can be checked again. This will also confirm what type of cancer is there. They will also look for proteins on the surface of the breast cancer cells. These are hormone receptors (oestrogen receptor and progesterone receptor) and HER2 receptor tests. And you may have other tests done that look at cancer genes to find out how active they are. These are called tumour profiling tests such as the Oncotype Dx test.  We have more information about all these tests on our website here.

    There is so much new information you need to take on, so it can be sometimes confusing dealing with new information about a worrying situation. You may find it helpful to discuss this further with your breast care nurse. You may aslo find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Caroline 

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Caroline

    Thank you Caroline. The written information from the hospital and to the GP states intraductal in situ. Nowhere does it state that it is invasive.. I've spoken to the BCN and they've confirmed the letter has used unusual terminology. I now have to ask the GP to correct the records.

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