i had lumpectomy for stage 1 with clear margins and clear lymph nodes surgeon saying i need another surgery for microscopic cell found in duct which is dcis, wouldnt chemo and radiation kill this off
I am sorry to learn of your ongoing treatment for breast cancer and that they have discovered a small area of Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
The primary treatment for all cancerous tumours is surgery.: This is so that the tumour can be removed with a margin of healthy cells to ensure all the cancer has been removed.
Chemotherapy is generally not used to treat Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) because DCIS is non-invasive, meaning the cancer cells haven't spread beyond the milk ducts of the breast. Chemotherapy is designed to target cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body, making it an unnecessary approach for DCIS. Additionally some studies have shown that when neo adjuvant chemotherapy was administered prior to surgery some associated microcalcifications may persist.
Radiotherapy can be used after breast-conserving surgery for DCIS to reduce the risk of recurrence.
I hope reading this helps answer your question.
Please get back to us if you need any more information or support. You may 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 5 pm Monday to Friday.
thank you for replying, so do i really need another surgery for the DCIS as i will be having chemo and radiation for the cancer for which i had the lumpectomy, so wont that kill off thei DCIS? i dont really understand it as my surgeon said clear margins but this DCIS is on the lateral margin so how can it be clear? i'm HER2+++ thankyou x
Unfortunately without being involved in any one's care we can't say what treatment is or isn't necessary for any patient.
However it isn't unusual for patients to need a further surgery to remove more breast tissue. Whilst other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and targeted drugs can mop up microscopic cancer cells. As and when surgery can be carried out to remove cancer this will be preferred to give the best outcome.
I would suggest speaking with your specialist or breast care nurse to give you greater understanding of the need for this surgery and what to expect next.
I appreciate this must be a difficult time for you and I am sure the team involved are doing all they can to give you the best possible outlook in the future.
