HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Can A Stage Zero DCIS Cancer All Of A Sudden Become Invasive?

default
Posted on Tue, 4 Nov 2014
Question: Hi. I had a lumpectomy last week for DCIS, stage 0, calcifications in my right breast. When I went back for my post-op, the doctor said that they decided to send the results to another lab because one sample was a bit suspicious. It is now nine days I have been waiting since the lumpectomy. He said he was sure it was nothing; that is routine. I am sure that when he went to get the results, I heard a nurse say the word "mistake." What could that mean? Can a stage 0 DCIS all of a sudden become invasive? He said if my margins are not clear, I will have to have another lumpectomy. Does this sound right?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Deepika Patil (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
doesn't turn to be invasive

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HealthcareMagic .

The satge 0 cancer doesn't become invasive suddenly . After study of tumor it may change to stage 1 at the maximum not more then that. And for stage 1 also the treatment is lumpectomy.

Usually in our practice we send margins for study (frozen section) while doing lumpectomy. If they come clear its ok. If it doesn't come clear then that time only some more tissue is removed. I assume this procedure is not done for you.

Now in your case if margins won't come clear then you need to again undergo extra margin removal. I suggest you to discuss the use of frozen section if repeat surgery is planned.

The mistake which they mentioned could be not marking borders properly or misinterpretation by pathologist. If margins are clear now then no further treatment needed. Just follow up.

Hope I have answered your query . If any further queries are there I would love to help.

Regards
Dr.Deepika Patil
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Deepika Patil

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 745 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Can A Stage Zero DCIS Cancer All Of A Sudden Become Invasive?

Brief Answer: doesn't turn to be invasive Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to HealthcareMagic . The satge 0 cancer doesn't become invasive suddenly . After study of tumor it may change to stage 1 at the maximum not more then that. And for stage 1 also the treatment is lumpectomy. Usually in our practice we send margins for study (frozen section) while doing lumpectomy. If they come clear its ok. If it doesn't come clear then that time only some more tissue is removed. I assume this procedure is not done for you. Now in your case if margins won't come clear then you need to again undergo extra margin removal. I suggest you to discuss the use of frozen section if repeat surgery is planned. The mistake which they mentioned could be not marking borders properly or misinterpretation by pathologist. If margins are clear now then no further treatment needed. Just follow up. Hope I have answered your query . If any further queries are there I would love to help. Regards Dr.Deepika Patil