Type

A friend has just phoned to say she has been diagnosed with invasive carcioma grade 1 in-situ. What does this mean. Have been trying to look it up - to no avail is this a dcis? Or an invasive? I seem to be getting very confused. Thanks

Hi Anne

If you look at page 6 of the publication “Treating Breast Cancer”, which you can download on this site, it explains what DCIS means. I can see why you are confused by both the terms invasive and in situ being used. Has your friend got it right, do you think? Perhaps the Moderator can help.

Julie

For anne5

Hi Anne,

Can I suggest that you give the helpline a call and speak to one of the staff there, I’m sure they will be able to explain to you what your friend’s diagnosis means. The lines are open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturdays 9am to 2pm. The number is freefone 0808 800 6000.

Kind regards
Jane, Moderator
Breast Cancer Care

Hi Anne

It is possible to have an invasive tumour AND DCIS. I had a 2 cm, stage and grade 2, invasive tumour and associated intermediate DCIS, both comedo and cribriform. This information was on my pathology reports after I had a lumpectomy and sample node removal, and another surgery for total axillary node removal, as 3 of the 8 sampled were cancerous. Your friend should either already have, or can ask for, a copy of her pathology report. I believe some hospitals may charge a nominal fee for the photocopying, but I got mine foc. DCIS stands for ductal carcinoma in situ, which means the cancer has not broken through the ducts. Invasive means it has. Some doctors call DCIS “pre-cancer”, but as far as I am concerned, wherever carcinoma is mentioned, to me it really does mean cancer, since carcinoma is the Latin word for cancer.

A grade 1 idc is a very good prognosis, and with the appropriate treatment, she should do well.
If you have any further questions, do come back here, as there is usually someone who can answer through their own experience or knowledge.

Take care.
Liz.

Thank you all fot taking the time to reply. Think I will speak to her again about it and see if she can tell me more. May well ring the help line as well tomorrow.

Update

My friend has just spoke to her bcn - it looks like the letter that was sent that gave that diagnosis is actually wrong and she does have invasive ductal. Not insitu. New letter coming out in post - it was a good job we questioned that. Thanks for all your help and support.