WHAT IS DUCTAL CARCINOMA IN SITU?

WHAT IS DUCTAL CARCINOMA IN SITU?

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ is a non-invasive type of cancer that occurs when abnormal cells are in the lining of the breast milk duct. However, they do not spread outside of the ducts into the nearby breast tissues. It is characterized as a very early stage of cancer that is treatable. However, if symptoms are neglected in the initial phase, it can spread to other parts gradually.

Causes and Symptoms It usually takes place when genetic mutations take place in the breast duct cells’ DNA, which makes the cells abnormal. However, at this stage, they do not have the ability to spread out. What leads to these genetic mutations has not yet been determined by researchers.

Symptoms • • •

Bloody discharge from the nipples Lump in the breast Breast pain

Treatment procedures •

Chemotherapy- In order to eradicate the cancer cells or slow down the growth rate of the cancer cells, chemotherapy uses several anti-cancer drugs. They are given in cycles, and the doctor administers the dosage according to your condition.

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Radiation Therapy- Here, high-energy beams or rays are used to target the cancer cells and kill them. They can be used after therapy also to remove the mutated cells that still remain in the armpit area. Typically, two types of radiation beams are used—external beam and internal beam radiation therapy.

Targeted Therapy- Targeted drug therapy has proven to be quite effective for Ductal Carcinoma in Situ. The drugs prescribed to conduct this treatment are also given in combination with chemo drugs. This form of therapy has much lesser side effects than standard chemotherapy. Drugs like Trastuzumab and Lapatinib block the impact of abnormal proteins on the cancer cells, which help them to grow.

Hormone Therapy- Hormones like Estrogen and Progesterone stimulate cancer cells to grow. The most popular type of hormone therapy drug is Tamoxifen. It helps to prevent the estrogen-fueled cancer cells from spreading.

Medication used for Ductile Carcinoma in Situ treatment •

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Trastuzumab: If you have been diagnosed with early-stage HER2 positive-type Ductal Carcinoma in Situ, Trastuzumab 440 mg is given intravenously or subcutaneously. This targeted cancer drug is a monoclonal antibody that attaches itself to the HER2 protein to prevent the cancer cells from multiplying.

Lapatinib: One of the most effective tyrosine kinase inhibitors, Lapatinib, substantially reduces acini size in HER2-positive cancer patients by decreasing proliferation. A dosage of Lapatinib 250 mg is therefore highly suggested for reducing the progression and recurrence of DCIS.

Conclusion The rates of DCIS relapsing are not very high, around 30%. However, it may take place typically after 5 to 10 years of initial diagnosis. Make sure to get medical attention and start treatment immediately before it gets invasive.

Source:- https://diseaseandmedications.weebly.com/blog/what-is-

ductal-carcinoma-in-situ