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
Unusual Wave Patterns in ECG: Potential Artifacts in Lead V6
Upon examining the ECG readings, I've noticed peculiar double wave formations appearing between the QRS complex and the T wave in lead V6. This is new to me, as I have never encountered such patterns before. Could these be classified as artifacts?
Unexplained Bruises on My Right Hand – Seeking Advice
I've noticed some unusual bruising on my right hand over the past month. Strangely enough, they don't hurt at all. Should I be concerned about this? It's quite puzzling to see these random marks without any apparent cause.
Intense Pain in Left Thumb
Greetings, I’ve been experiencing a piercing pain at the tip of my left thumb intermittently. This discomfort is situated within the thumb rather than on the outer skin. It primarily affects the underside of the thumb and surrounds the base of the nail. The pain seems to extend only to the first skin fold, specifically around the distal phalanx. When applying pressure, I’ve noticed some red streaks appearing beneath the surface, alongside the white area. I trust this explanation is clear. This issue has persisted for over a year, occurring sporadically but intensifying as time has passed. Could this be a cause for concern? A bit about myself: I am a 25-year-old female with no significant medical issues in my background. I previously smoked cigarettes for three years, transitioned to vaping, and have been vaping for six years now. I maintain an active lifestyle, frequently going to the gym and participating in various sports such as indoor football and pickleball. I don’t have any known allergies.
Persistent Need to Stretch Legs While Seated
I experience a significant discomfort when seated, particularly when my knees are bent at about a 90-degree angle. This sensation compels me to stretch my legs straight, and if too much time passes without doing so—typically around every five to six minutes—the urge intensifies to an uncomfortable level that’s hard to manage. It’s more than just a desire to fidget; fully extending my legs tends to offer the greatest relief. Adjusting my position provides some comfort, but it doesn’t alleviate the feeling nearly as effectively as a full stretch does. This issue predominantly arises when I remain stationary in a chair. Occasionally, I notice a similar feeling when I’m lying down, but these instances are relatively rare compared to the frequent occurrences while sitting. I consulted a relative who is a medical professional about this discomfort, and they suggested that it doesn’t appear to align with Restless Leg Syndrome. However, since this isn't their specialization, I acknowledge that there may be a chance of error. * What could potentially be causing these sensations? * Does anyone else relate to this experience? * Are there methods available to help manage or diminish this feeling? I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights.
Resources for Safe Mouse Cleanup
While it may not be a typical inquiry for a healthcare professional, I find myself in need of guidance. Recently, we had an uninvited mouse visitor in our home, and unfortunately, it left droppings in my children's toy storage and on the changing table. I am seeking advice on how to effectively disinfect all affected items or determine if disposal is necessary to prevent any health risks. My children are quite young, at 2.5 years and just 4 months old. If they’ve potentially been exposed to mouse droppings, should I reach out to their pediatrician? For reference, I’m a 32-year-old female, standing at 5'6" and weighing 140 pounds, not currently on any medications.