Advice Needed: Large DCIS Diagnosis and Mastectomy Recommendation

Melissa, I had 2 large areas of DCIS. First had a lumpectomy without clear margins. Further imaging revealed other areas of concern, biopsy proven DCIS. I had single mastectomy with SN biopsy late January. My case was discussed at the tumor board at our hospital. My final path showed DCIS and no lymph node involvement. My surgeon told me that we could never had removed all areas of concern without mastectomy.

Thank you for sharing your story with me. I know this is probably the best route for me, but it’s just a hard reality to accept.

Did you have the other 2 areas biopsies? That is an option

Hi Melissa, If you have had a biopsy of area's, what did they say about them? If all came back concerning a mastectomy would keep the cancer from spreading. Family history of cancer and this many , double mastectomy would also help not letting it spread. I'm so sorry your going through this we are here for you, all of us at different stages of our journey. Best of luck to you❣

I had a biopsy and they said because of size I needed a mastectomy. I was in shock at first. I decided to have a bilateral mastectomy as tesing showed I had BRCA 1 mutation. To reduce my risk I did it all. They got everything with clear margins, good news. No regrets at all.

Congratulations, I hope all went well with your surgery 😊 🙏 I was Braca neg. before my Cancer, then the doctor wanted me tested again when I had Cancer, I was still negative. No more mammograms for us and they say we are clear?

Hi everyone, the BRACA test should not let your guard down if it is negative. So many of the female's in my family have or have had Cancer, that they say I see you got the family gift. I tested negative even when I had Cancer and so did many of my relatives. Just be careful and keep testing and your family ❣ 👪

Diagnosed with HEr2+ and had surgery on 3/6/25x. In general, Lumpectomies require radiation treatment. I really really did not want that so I opted for mastectomy on right breast. Surgeon did a great job and saved my nipple. Had little to no pain from surgery.

I am so very Happy 😊 that your procedure went very well. Keep in touch, Can't express again how happy I am for you 💖💖💖

Lori H, Did you see my post about Oncoplasty? It is a tumectomy with a breast reduction, possibly a breast left as well. This surgery is designed toward breast that need a bit more tissue removed than usual to obtain clear margins. They use the extra tissue from the trimming down toward a reduction to reshape the breast. No silicone implants required.

I did read this and I would of loved it as a choice other than these implants, not a fan.

Melissa, I’m sorry about what you are going through. A double mastectomy was recommended for me with initial tiny 1.7 and 2.5 mm tumors, in right breast, staged 2 but aggressive KI scored 95% and I am a BRCA patient, that they told me placed me into another league of aggressive needs. I had clean nodes and margins on MRI and in surgery and was reconstructed at the same time that healed very well. My cancer spread to one axillary node, found 10 months post op on US and PET scan, and at that time chemo journey started. It’s felt that this cancer was in my blood since diagnosis, as my tumor markers post op were elevated and increased with frequent labs. I’m doing well overall with treatments and last scan clean. Cancer is a journey for sure. Keep active as able and stay positive. So many wonderful treatments. Best wishes.

Facing a DCIS diagnosis with multiple areas of concern can feel overwhelming, and it's completely natural to want to explore all treatment options before making such an important decision. Many community members have shared experiences with both lumpectomies and mastectomies for larger areas, and their insights along with getting a second opinion from another breast surgeon could help provide additional perspective as you weigh this significant choice.