How is ductal carcinoma in situ treated?
Most women with ductal carcinoma in situ do not have the breast removed with a mastectomy. Instead, they receive breast-conserving treatment. The most common course of treatment consists of a lumpectomy followed by radiation. A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon removes the cancer and a small area of normal tissue around it. The risk of lymph node involvement with ductal carcinoma in situ is only 1% to 2% so the lymph nodes under the arm do not need to be removed, as may be the case with other types of breast cancer. The area of normal tissue is taken to make sure all the cancer cells have been removed. Radiation therapy significantly reduces the likelihood that the cancer will come back. Cancer coming back is called recurrence. Radiation can be delivered from an external source to the entire breast. Or it can be given internally to certain areas of the breast. Some women with an extremely low likelihood of cancer recurrence may be treated for ductal carcinoma in sit