Ductal Breast Cancer Treatment
Ductal breast cancer, also called ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS, occurs when unhealthy cells abnormally multiply to form a growth within a milk duct in a woman's breast. While ductal breast cancer isn't normally considered a life-threatening condition, it does require treatment to keep the cancer from becoming invasive.
Mastectomy
Ductal breast cancer patients often undergo simple mastectomies, which remove the breast tissue, nipple, areola and skin. Mastectomies are typically used when the cancer affects large areas of the breast.
Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy procedure removes only the affected part of the breast. According to the Mayo Clinic, lumpectomies are very effective and typically eliminate the need for post-surgical breast reconstruction.
Radiation Therapy
Undergoing radiation therapy after a lumpectomy lowers the risk of the cancer recurring or becoming invasive. External beam radiation is most commonly used for ductal breast cancer treatment.
Tamoxifen Therapy
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, tamoxifen is a medication that blocks estrogen action and reduces a woman's risk of developing invasive cancer. Older woman frequently undergo tamoxifen therapy following a lumpectomy.
Considerations
Small tumors are easier to remove than large tumors. High-grade tumors are more likely to progress into invasive breast cancer than low-grade tumors.
Tags: breast cancer, becoming invasive, Cancer Treatment