Past post from Beesie on understanding DCIS

bump!

Bumping for nwshannon.

I am confused...what's with all the bump??

Have I missed something on my path report? I have been over them several times but can not find anything about HER status?? Path reads:   "Receptor studies performed on the duct carcinoma in situ are found as follows:

Estrogen receptors: 3+positive in 94% of tumor cell nuclei

Progesterone receptors: 3+ positive in 86% of tumor cell nuclei" nothing about HER??

Many thanks to all of you and especially Beesie for sharing her expertise; I have learned a great deal from all the posts.

Bumping to put back on page 1

NIH State-of-the-Science Conference:

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)

Conclusions: The diagnosis and management of DCIS is highly complex with many unanswered questions, including the fundamental natural history of untreated disease. Because of the noninvasive nature of DCIS, coupled with its favorable prognosis, strong consideration should be given to remove the anxiety-producing term "carcinoma" from the description of DCIS. The outcomes in women treated with available therapies are excellent. Thus, the primary question for future research must focus on the accurate identification of patient subsets diagnosed with DCIS, including those persons who may be managed with less therapeutic intervention without sacrificing the excellent outcomes presently achieved. Essential in this quest will be the development and validation of accurate risk stratification methods based on a comprehensive understanding of the clinical, radiological, pathological, and biological factors associated with DCIS.

I had no risk factors other than I did not breast feed my children and I am a woman.  My DCIS was low grade but everywhere in my breast by the time it was seen on mammo (only skipped one year when I was 42).  In that time it morphed into 8mm of IDC that was NOT caught on mammo, MRI, or Ultrasound.  It was only after my unilateral mastectomy that IDC was found. 

The definition of cancer are cells that change and grow uncontrollably(sp).  In My Opinion, (and my doctor's) DCIS Is Cancer.

I apologize for my soapbox but this is a touchy subject for me.  I only bump this thread as Beesie has such a wealth of information for all "newbies" that I feel very strongly that this thread should be at the top of the DCIS active topics.

beatingit2 - it all depends on your margins.  If you get good margins with the mast (and it's all DCIS) then you won't need rads.  If your margins are not good you may need rads.

Bumping to the top of the "Active List" for those who are newly diagnosed.

Carly,

Yes a person can have DCIS in both breasts for sure 

Thanks!  This is all so confusing.  

Bump!!

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