Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is also referred to as infiltrating ductal carcinoma and is the most common type of breast cancer. About 80% of all breast cancers are IDC, and invasive means it has spread into surrounding breast tissues. The American Cancer Society estimates about 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed in women in the United States each year.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Treatment in Tampa Bay
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) means the cancer is still contained in the milk duct and has not invaded other areas. IDC has invaded the surrounding tissue and can spread to other parts of the body. Cancer staging can help identify the best treatment options:
- Stage 0: The cancer is contained in the milk duct and has not invaded other tissue.
- Stage 1: The cancer is still fairly small and has not spread to lymph nodes.
- Stage 2: The cancer is larger than stage 1 and has spread to some nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage 3: The cancer is larger and is spreading into nearby lymph nodes and other tissue.
- Stage 4: The cancer is metastasizing (spreading to lymph nodes as well as other parts of the body.
If you detect a lump in your breast or are over 40 and have a family history of invasive ductal carcinoma, it’s very important to have a mammogram screening and a thorough physical exam by your doctor or one of the cancer specialists at Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology as soon as possible. Call today to schedule an appointment.
Treatment Options for Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
The stage of breast cancer and how fast it’s growing are very important in determining how best to treat it. Surgery and radiation therapy are typically used to treat stage 1 and some stage 2 breast cancers, but more advanced cases (stage 2-4) typically involve a combination of the following:
- Surgery
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted Therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Transplant
- Hormone Therapy
Radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments for breast cancer and may be used alone or with other forms of treatment. If your treatment plan includes radiation therapy, knowing what to expect can often help you prepare for treatment and help you make informed decisions about your care. In Florida, breast cancer treatment centers like Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology offer the services of expert breast cancer surgeons and the latest breast cancer treatments to conserve breast tissue and prevent a recurrence. Our cancer center in Tampa, for instance, was the first Tampa, FL facility to offer MammoSite and Contura Brachytherapy. We offer these as well as Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, CyberKnife radiosurgery, Image-Guided Radiation Therapy and other options for the treatment of breast cancer.
Patients who visit our breast cancer treatment centers in Tampa and Brandon, Florida meet with one of our breast cancer surgeons for a complete evaluation and treatment recommendations. They will take the time to explain all your options and work with you and your doctor to develop a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs.
Contact Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology today for more information about breast cancer, our breast cancer surgeons, and breast cancer treatment options. Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology has multiple Florida facilities located in the Tampa Bay area in Tampa, FL, and Brandon, FL.