DCIS, or ductal carcinoma in situ, is a noninvasive breast cancer which, according to the American Cancer Society, accounts for approximately 1 out of every 5 new cases of breast cancer. This is a stage 0 cancer, which is the earliest form, with an excellent recovery rate.
Significance
Since DCIS is contained to the ducts of the breast, a mastectomy, which removes those ducts, effectively stops the rate of DCIS recurrence. The cancer that may recur, however, is of an invasive nature and may appear in the lymph nodes or muscle tissue and spread to other areas of the body.
Mastectomy Recurrence Rates
A simple mastectomy, which removes all of the breast tissue but leaves lymph nodes and muscle tissue in place is generally the preferred mastectomy method. Radical mastectomies, which remove all lymph nodes and underlying muscle tissues are usually only indicated for more invasive cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, the rate of recurrence after having a mastectomy ranges from 1 to 2 percent.
Treatment Options and Recurrence Rates
Breast cancer can recur after treatment, usually in the same area in which it originally emerged. According to Imaginis.com, a woman receiving a mastectomy is at a slightly lower risk of recurrence than women who receive a lumpectomy and radiation (which is characterized by a recurrence rate of 8 to 10 percent).
Single vs. Double Mastectomy
According to BreastCancer.org, increasing numbers of women are opting for a double mastectomy since approximately 0.6 percent of women diagnosed with DCIS in one breast, have a risk of developing either DCIS or invasive breast cancer in the other breast.
Deciding on Your Treatment
Imaginis.com points out that mastectomies offer a nearly 100 percent cure rate; however, many patients with DCIS may benefit equally from more conservative treatment (lumpectomy/radiation treatment). Talk to your doctor to determine the right treatment for you.
