DCIS comedo necrosis?

Options
X3sMom
X3sMom Member Posts: 214
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

I have read alot of the post on DCIS but haven't found much on "comedo necrosis". Can someone explain what this dx means? And what the typical treatments are?

Thanks....I haven't been on here much since I lost my 38yr. dd to stage 4 breast cancer.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • bookart
    bookart Member Posts: 564
    edited April 2013

    My understanding is that comedo necrosis refers to a cancerous area that grew fast and so has a lot of dead cancer cells in a bunched group, versus focal necrosis in which they are more scattered - DCIS is always contained and does not spead, but the presence of comedo necrosis can indicate the possibility of invasive spread at some point - hopefully it is all removed via surgery or killed via radiation before that can happen.  Comedo necrosis usually rates a grade 3 because of the rapid growth, size and possibility of spread (although DCIS doesn't spread, my guess is that the cancer can change identity with different behaviour - rather, if it spreads, it is no longer DCIS but IDC or some other beast)   Hope this helps.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CTMOM1234
    CTMOM1234 Member Posts: 633
    edited April 2013

    I am truly sorry about your daughter. 

    To answer your questions, the following link is informative:

    http://www.dcis.info/biopsy-examination.html, which says

    "DCIS is divided into different subtypes: comedo, cribiform, micropapillary, papillary, and solid. It is important for the pathologist to identify the subtype to help to determine if the lesions are likely to recur and whether they are likely to become invasive. There is no classification system that can accurately predict which subtype is likely to recur as an in situ or as an invasive cancer.

    Comedo type DCIS. Comedo looks and acts differently from other in situsubtypes. Comedo tends to be slightly more aggressive than other forms of DCIS. These cells are closer to invasive breast cancer cells in how they look and behave than other forms of DCIS. Comedo cells look different under the microscope because the center of the duct is plugged with dead cellular debris, known as necrosis. Necrosis seen under a microscope in DCIS usually means that the cells are fast-growing and are generally more aggressive or high-grade. Also, microcalcifications (small abnormal calcium deposits) are frequently seen in the areas of necrosis."

     

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CTMOM1234
    CTMOM1234 Member Posts: 633
    edited April 2013

    Sorry, a comma was in the above link, hopefully this time the link works:

    http://www.dcis.info/biopsy-examination.html

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • X3sMom
    X3sMom Member Posts: 214
    edited April 2013

    Thanks bookart and CTMOM. I had 8yrs. experience with researching and asking doctors questions when my daughter was dx but don't know anything about DCIS. A friend was dx-ed last week and has surgery in May. As you ladies well know, she's pretty rattled and I told her I'd be there for her thru this with prayer and research. I made several friends on the Stage IV forum that I still keep in touch with. I hate it that any women has to go thru this. My daughter found her own lump at 30yrs. Stage IV at 36yrs. and lost her at 38yr. (Aug. 2010) She did not have the Braca gene. 

    Ladies, you're posts were helpful. God bless you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • X3sMom
    X3sMom Member Posts: 214
    edited April 2013

    Ladies, I looked at my friend's, Linda, pathology report and I'm confused with alot of the terms. I have tried to research them but came up empty. So, can anybody explain what is meant by " BXS Placed in 10% NBF"?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited April 2013

    Probably biopsy specimens placed in 10% neutral buffered formalin.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Nancy123
    Nancy123 Member Posts: 1
    edited May 2013

    I've just been diagnosed with invasive DCIS comedo and cribiform types - Stage II.  I have already had a lumpectomy and sentinal node biopsy and they were able to remove the entire tumor (2.3 cm) and the nodes were negative.  They are now recommending chemo in addition to the radiation and Arimidex therapy, but I'm a little nervous about the chemo and would prefer not to undergo that ordeal if possible.  I've requested an OncoDX gene test to help provide additiona information to the chemo decision.  Does anyone have any experience with this and/or recommendations?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 1openheart
    1openheart Member Posts: 765
    edited May 2013

    HI Nancy...so sorry to hear about your dx.  I am a bit confused though.  Were you originally dx with DCIS and after your lumpectomy pathology report,you are now reclassified as having invasive cancer?  DCIS always stage 0.  You can have a grade 1-3, but the stage is always 0.  You may be able to get more of your questions answered on another forum...maybe one of the IDC (invasive ductal carcinoma) boards.

    Again, so sorry that this turned out to be more than you thought.  Sending lots of warm healing energy and hope for health and well being to quicky return.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories