Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma

Other terms used to describe:

• Invasive Duct Carcinoma
  
• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

Definition of terms:

Biopsy - Procedure to remove cells or tissues to be studied by a pathologist
Carcinoma - Cancer cells that start in the surface layers or lining of the ducts
Chemotherapy - Treatment with medications to kill cancer cells
Hormonal therapy - Treatment with hormones or anti-hormonal medications
Infiltrating - To penetrate through the walls of the ducts from which a cancer began
Lymph Nodes - Pea-like areas in the lymphatic system that act as filters of the body's cellular waste; lymph nodes located under the arms filter waste from breast tissues
Lumpectomy - Removal of lump and small amount of surrounding tissue from the breast
Malignant - Cancerous; threat to the body
Mastectomy - Surgical removal of a breast
Metastasis - Spread of cancer to other parts of the body
Microcalcifications - Small, dense areas of tissue seen on mammography; may be related to a malignant or benign condition

Infiltrating ductal carcinoma is the most common invasive breast cancer, accounting for 70 percent of all cases. A very hard lump that has irregular borders and seems anchored in surrounding tissues is characteristic of infiltrating ductal carcinoma. The skin over the area or the nipple may retract (pull in). On mammography, there are often micro-calcifications found in the tumor area, since this tumor has a history of internal cell death (necrosis). The tumor varies in size and cell division time, with some cells growing more rapidly than others.

When symptoms are found, a biopsy can reveal the exact characteristics of the tumor. These include how fast it is dividing; whether it is stimulated (caused to grow) by estrogen, progesterone or prolactin hormones; and how much the cells have changed from the parent cell (differentiation). These findings, combined with your menopausal status, age, and general health, will determine surgery and treatment options. These include: lumpectomy with axillary sampling followed with radiation; lumpectomy with axillary sampling followed with chemotherapy and radiation therapy; mastectomy with lymph node removal with or without chemotherapy or radiation. Hormonal therapy, usually Tamoxifen (Nolvadex ® ), may be used with any of these treatments if the tumor is positive for estrogen or progesterone receptors.

For more information, please call The Connie Dwyer Breast Center at (973) 877-5189.

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