Ductal carcinoma refers to abnormal changes or cancer that begins in the lining of the milk ducts in the breast. There are two main types of ductal carcinoma:
- Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS): DCIS is a non-invasive or pre-invasive breast cancer. This means the cells are abnormal, but they have not spread to surrounding breast tissue or elsewhere. DCIS is highly treatable and usually curable. However, if left untreated or not completely removed, DCIS can develop into invasive breast cancer.
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): IDC is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 70-80% of all breast cancer diagnoses. It’s also sometimes called infiltrating ductal carcinoma. In IDC, the abnormal cancer cells that originated in the lining of the milk ducts have spread to other parts of the breast tissue and can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.
Risk factors for ductal carcinoma include age, gender (being a woman), a personal or family history of breast cancer, certain genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2), having dense breasts, and exposure to estrogen over long periods (such as starting periods early or going through menopause late).
Treatment options for ductal carcinoma depend on the stage, the patient’s overall health and personal preferences, and other factors. They may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these. Regular screening for breast cancer can help detect ductal carcinoma at an early stage, when it’s most treatable.
