Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a type of non-invasive breast cancer that, when detected early, has an excellent prognosis. The cancer cells are confined to a duct within the breast and have usually not spread to the surrounding breast tissue or lymph nodes. Very few cases of DCIS present as a palpable mass; 80 percent are diagnosed by mammography alone, reports The National Cancer Institute. Treatment methods will depend on physician and patient preference, as well as the overall health of the individual.
Surgery
If you're diagnosed with DCIS, one of the first decisions you'll have to make is whether to treat the condition with breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) or breast-removing surgery (mastectomy), states the Mayo Clinic. The most common route of treatment includes lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy. If the area is large, or more than one duct is involved, a mastectomy may be recommended by your physician. There are several types of reconstructive surgery that you may consider after a lumpectomy or mastectomy, depending on the amount of breast tissue that was removed as well as your personal preference. Your oncologist and surgeon can refer you to a breast reconstruction specialist.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy after lumpectomy reduces the chance that DCIS will come back (recur) or that it will progress to invasive cancer, reports Mayo Clinic. This type of therapy uses beams of radiation to kill any leftover cancer cells and stop them from dividing. Speak to your physician about proper skin care during radiation treatment. Some may experience skin burns similar to a sunburn during therapy. Your doctor may recommend a cream or lotion for prevention and preservation of skin integrity.
Tamoxifen
According to the National Cancer Institute, tamoxifen (Nolvadex®) is a drug that interferes with the activity of estrogen, a female hormone. This drug is used for the treatment of breast cancer. Tamoxifen is not indicated as a single treatment for DCIS but is used in conjunction with surgery, radiation or both. This medication is taken in pill form. Common side effects include fatigue, headache, nausea, rash, and vaginal dryness.
