Nipple-sparing surgery and DCIS

swg

Apologies for my lack of knowledge, but does anyone know..does having a DCIS in one of your tumors mean, you can't get nipple sparing surgery?

Just wondering, what are the risks of saving the nipples when your cancer started in your milk ducts?

I'll be asking my BS this, but I'm not meeting with her til next Fri, and I thought maybe someone here might know.

thx

VegGal

I had DCIS and did nip sparing. Location of the tumor determines whether or not the nip can stay or not. FWIW, I also have a lot of sensation along the inner portion of each "breast" as well as above. It makes up for the lack of sensation in the nip itself.

buffyjc

I had extensive DCIS (scattered over 6.5 cm) that affected 2 quadrants of my breast (upper outer and lower outer) and was able to have nipple-sparing SMX. However, I don't think my nipple and areola look normal...they both look kind of like a "calico" print and it doesn't have any sensation but it does respond to touch. I have some sensation around the same areas of my mastectomy breast that VegGal mentioned.

With regard to risks, it depends on which doctor you ask as they seem to have different opinions. My BS felt comfortable offering NS SMX to me and I felt confident in her experience.

swg

Awesome. Thanks! This is on my list of things to ask her when I see her next wk.