Breast Cancer Insights: Is There a Link Between High Grade DCIS and Low Grade IDC?
Greetings. I'm a 39-year-old woman, weighing approximately 145 pounds and standing at 5'7", residing in the western part of the United States. I maintain a healthy lifestyle by avoiding alcohol and tobacco, following a pescatarian diet, and exercising moderately four to five times weekly. Sadly, my mother passed away at the age of 54 from a rare nasal cancer, having first been diagnosed at 41. This family history has prompted me to be proactive in seeking medical check-ups whenever I feel it's necessary. Recently, I opted to get a mammogram after experiencing a mild change — a subtle increase in sensitivity in my right areola just a few months back. Approximately three months ago, I received a diagnosis of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma located beneath my areola, measuring 12mm, classified as low grade 1, and exhibiting hormone receptor positivity (ER+ PR+) while being HER2 negative. Further analysis from my surgical pathology report revealed grade 3 Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) with comedo necrosis, measuring 28mm, which was not detected during initial imaging. An MRI had noted enhancements less than one centimeter from the original lesion, which I believe pertains to the area adjacent to the IDC. As of now, I have yet to communicate with my oncological surgeon for further clarification. My inquiry revolves around the distinction between high and low grade DCIS. I have come across information suggesting that these grades arise through different biological pathways, with high grade DCIS typically progressing into high grade invasive ductal carcinoma, while low grade DCIS tends to develop into low grade IDC. From your knowledge or experience, is it often observed that grade 3 DCIS with comedo necrosis can coexist with, or potentially transform into, grade 1 IDC? I appreciate your insights on this matter. Thank you.
Answers (1)
6/17/2025, 6:10:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're seeking clarity on the relationship between your diagnosis of high grade Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) and low grade Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC). Let's break this down in simple terms.
Main Points:
-
DCIS and IDC Relationship: High grade DCIS can evolve into high grade IDC, while low grade DCIS typically correlates with low grade IDC. However, the presence of different grades can coexist and may behave variably together.
-
Implications of Your Diagnosis: Your current diagnosis indicates a combination of distinct grades of DCIS and IDC, which requires careful management.
Explanation:
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive cancer that is contained within the ducts of the breast, while Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) involves cancer cells breaking through the duct walls and spreading into surrounding breast tissue. The grading system helps to evaluate the aggressiveness of these cancers.
- High Grade DCIS (like yours with comedo necrosis) is often associated with a higher likelihood of progression to invasive cancer compared to low grade DCIS. High grade lesions tend to grow faster and are less responsive to hormone therapies.
- Low Grade IDC, as in your case, indicates a slower-growing cancer that might be managed differently than more aggressive types.
Next Steps:
-
Clarify with Your Oncologist: Speak with your oncological surgeon about your specific situation and the potential implications of having both grades of DCIS and IDC. Ask them specifically how this may impact your treatment plan and prognosis.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Pay close attention to any changes in breast sensitivity, pain, or other breast health issues. Document these changes to discuss with your healthcare team.
-
Stay Informed: Read credible sources and guidelines from associations like the American Cancer Society or the National Breast Cancer Foundation to understand your condition better.
-
Support Systems: Consider connecting with support groups for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer; these can provide helpful resources and emotional support.
I appreciate your proactive approach to your health, especially given your family history. Don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointments; understanding your diagnosis is crucial for moving forward with a treatment plan that is right for you.
Related Questions
Experiencing Sudden Jaw Discomfort and Facial Pain
As a 21-year-old male, I've developed a habit of cracking my jaw in a circular manner—something I've routinely done for years without any issues. Recently, however, I've found myself in significant discomfort. The area around my right ear and the side of my mouth are painful, making it difficult to open my mouth or even clench my teeth. This is an unusual experience for me, and I’m curious if this is something I should be worried about?
Optimal Timing for Taking Sucralfate with Other Medications
I'm a 54-year-old individual who has been on Pantoprazole, taking it twice daily for a year now. Recently, I received a prescription for Sucralfate. While I did use Sucralfate briefly last year, I was never quite confident about when to take it in relation to my other medications. During that time, which I discussed with my physician, my routine involved taking Pantoprazole one hour before meals, followed by Sucralfate prepared as a slurry thirty minutes later, with my meal occurring half an hour after the Sucralfate. Despite this plan, I keep encountering varying information on the subject and would appreciate a clearer guideline. If I plan to have dinner at 6 PM, I would like to know the ideal times for taking Pantoprazole and Sucralfate to ensure that I’m maximizing the efficacy of both medications. I’m concerned about the potential for timing to hinder their effectiveness. Thanks in advance for your help!
Availability of Rabies Vaccination in UK NHS A&E for Post-Exposure Treatment
After being bitten by a dog while traveling abroad, I completed the necessary rabies vaccination schedule as instructed (on days 0, 3, 7, and 14) and also received Human Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG). Now that I'm back in the UK, I need to get my final vaccine dose after 28 days. Is it possible for me to visit an A&E department for this shot? Local doctor's offices do not provide this service, and the only clinics I've discovered are private travel clinics that charge upwards of £100, which is beyond my budget at the moment. My travel insurance covered the initial treatments I received in Thailand (minus the excess charge), but they will not pay for this last dose. Given that I am dealing with a post-exposure situation, isn't it reasonable to expect that I could receive this vaccine through the NHS? I was indeed bitten, and if the dog was rabid, not receiving this last dose could have severe consequences. I'm puzzled as to why the only option appears to be a costly private clinic. Can I access this vaccine through the NHS? If so, what steps should I take to obtain it? Personal details: Female, 48 years old, 172 cm tall, 70 kg in weight, bitten on the left leg by a dog, no known medical issues.
Unusual Urine Color: Is It a Concern?
A 33-year-old woman from the UK, standing at 173 cm and weighing 84 kg, not taking any medications, and leading a lifestyle free from smoking and alcohol, recently noticed a peculiar change in her urine. About an hour ago, while she was in the restroom, her urine presented a bright yellow tone, accompanied by an unexpected hint of orange creaminess. Although she plans to provide a visual reference, she is currently more concerned about some discomfort she's experiencing. Lately, she has been feeling sporadic pain in her back; at times it manifests in the lower back area and at other times below her left rib. This sensation resembles a sharp jab that fluctuates in intensity but isn't severely distressing, rating it around 4 out of 10. Aside from this, she reports no significant previous health issues. Two days prior, her urine appeared slightly cloudy, yet nothing as alarming as the current situation. After hydrating with water, the color normalized. Given these developments, she is apprehensive about the unusual urine color and seeks advice on whether consultation with a healthcare professional is warranted, particularly as her regular doctor is unavailable until the following Monday.
Concerns about Food Aspiration
Hello, I'm a 23-year-old female, currently using pregabalin to manage chronic migraines. Recently, I made the unfortunate choice to chat while indulging in a soft chocolate bar. This happened about thirty minutes ago, and ever since, I’ve been anxious about the possibility of aspirating some of the chocolate. Shortly after eating, I noticed an unusual sensation in my throat—nothing painful, but definitely off, accompanied by a strange feeling in my neck. Although I haven’t experienced any coughing or the typical sensation of something going the wrong way, I’m still feeling a bit odd in my throat and neck area. Additionally, I had some belching and felt a wave of dizziness right after the incident, which I’m still experiencing to some extent. I'm genuinely worried about the risk of developing aspiration pneumonia, and it’s causing me a lot of stress.