Question- confused

Juliechicago

Hi,

I have a DCIS question...

I have a history of bc- twice now. 2000 IDC left breast. 3.5cm.  Stage 2, no nodes. ER/PR-. Lump, rads, chemo AC x4.  2008 very rare new primary in same breast. 1 cm, Stage 1, no nodes.  Mast w/ implant recon, CMF x 4.  

Mamm on right breast has just revealed calcifications:" New focus of microcalcifications, pleomorphic, with some linear forms of calcifications noted.  No associated mass density seen DCIS must be strongly considered."  I am to have a stereotactic biospy tomorrow.

MRI 7 months ago did not note those, nor any other issues beyond a 3mm area that has remained stable for over a year.

Question is this-- as I research DCIS, many speak of a size of it-- 1 cm, 2.5cm etc.  This report is telling me there is no associated mass. Just the calcifications.  How is the "area" for lack of better term determined then?

Ironically- I had made up my mind to go forward with a prophy mast on this side as I underestimated my ability to deal with the constant worry/screenings.  I obviously do not have results yet, but know that I will go forward with the mast either way.  This will push things up.  I'm hoping--- that this would be the extent of the treatment needed.  I know there would be a sent biopsy done and that micromets could be found- but there is less likelihood with DCIS-- and if there is no discernable mass?    I'm very well versed in IDC, but this confuses me a bit.  Did most of you avoid chemo? (I'm TN- so no tamox as option).

thanks....

-julie

Jelson

Hi JulieChicago!

first off YOU are not TN, your previous tumors were TN, this might be ER+/PR+

if what you have in the right breast is pure DCIS - chemo is not recommended. 

DCIS can be lumpish or more diffuse - with spaces between cancer cells/calcifications along the milk ducts which don't radiate in straight lines from the nipple, but are all tangled. so, as I understand it, that is why, we have "wire-guided excisional biopsies" - the area impacted is visualized by mammogram/ultrasound? or mri and checking the screen, the surgeon actually sticks in a wire through the area. 

I hope this is helpful - I wanted to make sure you were answered since your biopsy is tomorrow. check BEESIE's posts on the DCIS board. She gives thorough explanations.

Julie E

shannonW

I too wondered about the size b/c to look at my "extensive, but caught early" DCIS at my mammogram it looked as if it was quite speckled thruout it...My surgical report after my BMX said,"maximal tumor dimension dcis extends for at least 3.0 cm. So I figure it was 3.0 cm in size altho it could be more.

shannonW

Oh, and no chemo or rad recommended or needed with BMX in my case.