What's best for DCIS: lumpectomy or mastectomy?

This is such a personal decision that many in this community have navigated, and it's completely understandable to want to hear from others who've been in similar situations. The factors that often help people make this choice include the size and location of the DCIS, personal feelings about breast preservation, family history, and how they feel about the different recovery processes and follow-up care required for each option. Community members here have shared valuable insights about both surgical approaches and various radiation experiences, so hopefully others will chime in with their perspectives to help inform your decision-making process.

I'm sorry you're facing such an important decision right now. Even with an early-stage diagnosislike DCIS,choosing between breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy can bring a lot ofemotions and uncertainty. May I ask, have you already decided which direction you're leaning toward, or are you stillcomparing the options? And what concerns you the most about the next step?

I am still deciding. I have a lumpectomy scheduled however my surgeon said I can change my mind. I'm meeting with the radiation oncologist this week. I also have an autoimmune disease and Parkinson's to maneuver. If I choose a bilateral mastectomy, I can forgo radiation and hormones. It's just a lot to consider.

Hi Margaret, I can truly understand why this decision feels overwhelming. Even when the diagnosis is at an early stage, choosing between different treatment paths is never just a medical decision — it’s also about your quality of life, your peace of mind, and how you want to move forward after treatment. Have you had the opportunity to discuss with your oncology team how your autoimmune condition and Parkinson’s may affect the different treatment options? what is the biggest factor influencing your decision right now: avoiding future treatments like radiation and hormone therapy, reducing recurrence concerns, or maintaining your daily quality of life?

Hello I was diag. With IDC grade 3 0 stage HER2+ Last year. I completed chemo in march had surgery in April choose lumpectomy/ tissue sparing… recovered !! Healing well I just finished Radiation This was the toughest for me but I got through it. I am also doing immunotherapy. I started it when I started chemo 3 more infusions to go. 12,in total.. I’m fortunate to live in the Boston area and have some of the top professionals near by. They helped me make the right decision for me. I didn’t decide on what surgery till I was done with chemo . I felt less pressure delaying my surgery choice while I focus on treatment. Your choice is very personal so weigh the pros and cons And talk with your drs about concerns. Praying for you