What is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)?

Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is the type of breast cancer that occurs in around 80% of cases among women and individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB). Generally, it strikes women and AFAB individuals above the age of 55. It is also the most common male breast cancer. This chapter discusses IDC among women and AFAB individuals.

Invasive ductal carcinoma begins in the lining of the milk ducts of your breast. The cancer may invade from your milk duct into surrounding breast tissue. The tumor can enter your bloodstream or lymphatic system and travel to other body parts.

Healthcare providers may refer to this condition as infiltrating ductal carcinoma, also known as IDC breast cancer. Often, if tests detect it before the cancerous tumors spread to other areas of your body, healthcare providers can cure it.

What are the Types of invasive ductal carcinoma?

IDC types are based on whether the tumors have certain hormone receptors. Receptors are proteins on or in cells. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone can attach to these receptors and help cancer grow. Knowing if a breast cancer tumor has these hormone receptors helps doctors pick the right treatment.

Common types of invasive ductal carcinoma include:

• Triple-negative breast cancer.
• HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer.
• ER-positive (ER+) breast cancer.
• PR-positive (PR+) breast cancer.

What are the symptoms of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)?

Usually, invasive ductal carcinoma is found during regular mammograms before you notice any symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they can include:

• Changes in the size, shape, or outline of your breast.
• A mass or lump that might be as small as a pea.
• A thickening or lump in or near your breast or underarm that stays the same throughout your menstrual cycle.
• Change in the appearance or feel of the skin of your breast or nipple. Your skin may appear dimpled, puckered, scaly, inflamed, and reddened.
• A marble-like hardened area under your skin.
• Discharge from your nipple that is either blood-stained or clear fluid.

What are the causes of invasive ductal carcinoma?

Experts are not sure what causes invasive ductal carcinoma exactly, but they think some activities or experiences may increase the risk of developing this condition.

• Smoking.
• Drinking alcoholic beverages.
• Obesity.
• Receiving radiation therapy to the chest.
• Earlier or later, menstruation starts than normal.
• Childbearing at older age.

Some changes in genes you inherit from your parents can make you more likely to get invasive ductal carcinoma. These are called inherited genetic mutations.

What are the complications of this invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)?

IDC can spread to other parts of the body, including the lungs, bones liver, and brain.

How is invasive ductal carcinoma diagnosed?

A physical examination will be conducted by your healthcare provider. They will check for lumps in your breasts and swollen lymph nodes in your armpit. They may also order additional tests, such as:

• MRI
• biopsy
• ultrasound

An oncologist and a cancer care team will use the test results to plan your treatment by identifying the cancer stage and grade.

Stages of IDC

Tumor location and size are some factors used by doctors to stage the cancer. Five stages of invasive ductal carcinoma exist:

• Stage 0: This cancer is limited to your milk ducts. It is also referred to as noninvasive ductal carcinoma in situ.
• Stage I (1): The cancer has spread from the milk ducts to breast tissue, but it has not reached the lymph nodes. Sometimes, cancer can be found in the lymph nodes even if it hasn’t affected nearby breast tissue.
• Stage II (2): You have a small tumor that is in one to three of your lymph nodes. A large tumor that hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes is also considered Stage II.
• Stage III (3): Cancer is present in more than three of your lymph nodes. Cancer that causes inflammation of the breast skin is also classified as Stage III invasive ductal carcinoma.
• Stage IV (4): Invasive ductal carcinoma has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, brain, or chest wall. It can also occur in bones or lymph nodes in distant areas.

Grades of IDC

Cancer cell grades are based on how much the cancer cells look like normal cells when seen under a microscope. To find the grade, a doctor called a pathologist looks at three parts of the cell and gives a grade for each. Sometimes, pathologists use words like "well-differentiated," "moderately differentiated," or "poorly differentiated" instead of numbers. The three grades are

• Grade 1 (well-differentiated): The cancer cells grow slowly and resemble normal breast cells.
• Grade 2 (Moderately Differentiated): The cells grow faster than Grade 1 cells and more closely resemble cancer cells.
• Grade 3 (Poorly Differentiated): The cells look very different from normal cells. They will likely grow and spread faster than cells in Grade 1 and Grade 2.

How is invasive ductal carcinoma treated?

Treatment options depend on your situation, including the stage of the cancer and your own choices. IDC treatments might include:

• Breast cancer surgery: If you need surgery, it may be a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. Breast cancer surgery can involve reconstructive surgery in the breast.
• Chemotherapy: Doctors can give chemotherapy before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to kill any cancer cells that might still be in your body. Chemotherapy may be the main treatment for Stage IV invasive ductal cancer that has spread.
• Radiation therapy: You may receive this treatment after surgery to kill any remaining cancerous cells. You can consider this option if surgery can't be done because the tumor is too large or in a difficult location.
• Targeted therapy: This treatment focuses on the changes in genes that turn healthy cells into cancer.
• Hormone therapy: Cancer cells often need hormones to grow. Hormone therapy blocks them from getting these hormones.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy enables your immune system to locate and kill cancer cells.

What are the treatment side effects of IDC?

The usual treatment for invasive ductal carcinoma is surgery. Pain is a common side effect after surgery. Doctors often use surgery with other treatments too. Side effects from chemotherapy and radiation therapy can include feeling very tired and vomiting.

Targeted therapy and immunotherapy can both cause stomach problems like constipation or diarrhea. Hormone therapy can cause hot flashes, joint pain, and less interest in sex.

People react differently to breast cancer treatments. Ask your doctor about the possible effects of your treatment, including how it might affect your daily life. Also, ask about palliative care, which helps you stay comfortable during treatment by managing symptoms and side effects.

Can invasive ductal carcinoma be prevented?

You can take actions to reduce your risk of developing invasive ductal carcinoma.

• Have regular mammograms: If you are a woman or a person assigned female at birth (AFAB) and have a family history of breast cancer, talk to your doctor about starting mammograms earlier than usual.
• Maintain a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet.
• Do not smoke.
• Limit alcohol to one drink a day.
• Exercise regularly.
• Consult your doctor about genetic tests that may indicate if you are at a higher risk for breast cancer.

Living With

How do I take care of myself?

Living with IDC might not be that easy. When you go through diagnosis and treatment for IDC, you might feel overwhelmed at times. Here are some ways to take care of yourself:

• Rest well: IDC and treatment may be draining for you. Remember to rest when you need to, not when you can.
• Eat well: Treatment can change your appetite. Eating fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy grains can help you stay strong during treatment.
• Manage your stress: Cancer is a tough illness. Stress can be lessened by exercise. Exercise regimens and regular walks are both excellent choices.
• Find support: You are a breast cancer survivor starting the day you receive your diagnosis. Inquire from your healthcare provider regarding cancer survivorship programs, which can help you deal with some of the challenges associated with living with IDC.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced oncologists and breast cancer specialists, known as some of the best doctors for breast cancer care. We provide accurate diagnosis with advanced imaging and biopsy tests, personalized treatment including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy when required. Our team has decades of experience in successfully treating Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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