Sometimes regenerating breast cells mutate---reasons unknown---and collect in the breast ducts. When the mutated cells stay within the ducts, it is Ductal Carcinoma In-situ, or DCIS; when these atypical cells break out of the ducts invading surrounding tissue, it becomes infiltrating ductal carcinoma, or IDC.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
IDC is the same as invasive ductal carcinoma. The American Cancer Society states that each year more than 180,000 women in the US receive a breast cancer diagnosis, most with IDC.
DCIS and IDC
No one knows when DCIS becomes IDC or why the cancer invades other tissues. Over time, IDC can spread to lymph nodes and beyond.
Characteristics of IDC
IDC is characterized by a lump of cancer cells surrounded by scar tissue. Usually the lump causes no pain and needs to be biopsied to confirm whether it is a carcinoma.
Treatment of IDC
Typical treatment includes surgery such as a lumpectomy or mastectomy, with reconstructive surgery, followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation.
Complimentary Treatments for IDC
Complimentary treatments, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, yoga, music, prayer and massage, can be used with standard treatments. Sometimes called holistic medicine, complimentary medicine addresses how disease affects the whole person: physically, spiritually, emotionally and socially.
Tags: Ductal Carcinoma, ductal carcinoma
