Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

The Weiser Family Center for Breast Cancer is dedicated to providing compassionate, cutting-edge care for individuals affected by breast cancer. We enhance lives through early detection, personalized treatment, and survivorship support, while advancing research, education, and advocacy. Our unwavering commitment is to make a meaningful difference, improving breast cancer outcomes for all.

If you're a patient interested in making an appointment, please call 734-647-8902.  

Healthcare providers looking to refer a patient, please contact M-LINE: 800-962-3555.

For those with questions, please contact our Cancer AnswerLine at 800-865-1125.

Many patients don't have symptoms.  Instead, they are diagnosed through screening mammogram.

Symptoms of IDC include:

• Lump in the Breast: Often the first noticeable symptom.
• Thickening of Breast Tissue: An unusual thickening in the breast or underarm area.
• Change in Size or Shape: Noticeable changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast.
• Dimpling or Puckering: Changes in the skin texture, often resembling an orange peel.
• Nipple Changes: Retraction, discharge, or pain in the nipple area.
• Redness or Scaliness: The skin around the breast or nipple becomes red, swollen, or scaly.

Diagnosis of IDC typically involves a combination of the following:

• Physical Examination: Palpation of the breasts and surrounding lymph nodes.
• Imaging Tests:
  • Mammography: Often the first imaging test is used.
  • Ultrasound: Helps to evaluate the characteristics of the lump.
  • MRI: May be used for more detailed imaging.
• Biopsy: Removal of tissue samples for microscopic examination.
  • Core Needle Biopsy: Common method using a hollow needle.
  • Surgical Biopsy: Sometimes required to remove a larger tissue sample.

Staging

The stage of IDC is critical for determining the prognosis and treatment plan. Staging is based on:

• Tumor Size (T): The size of the primary tumor.
• Lymph Node Involvement (N): Whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Metastasis (M): Whether cancer has spread to distant organs.

Treatment for IDC varies based on the stage and characteristics of the tumor, patient’s overall health, and personal preferences. Options typically include:

Surgery

• Lumpectomy: Removing the tumor and some surrounding tissue.
• Mastectomy: Removing one or both breasts.

Radiation Therapy

• Often used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.  Learn more about radiation therapy and breast cancer.

Chemotherapy

• Uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth.
• Can be administered before surgery (neoadjuvant) or after surgery (adjuvant).

Learn more about systemic therapy and breast cancer.

Hormone Therapy

• For tumors that are hormone receptor-positive. It blocks hormones that fuel cancer growth.
• Includes drugs like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors.

Targeted Therapy

• Targets specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth, such as HER2.
• Includes drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin).

Immunotherapy

• Uses the body's immune system to fight cancer.

The psychosocial impacts of breast cancer are profound and multifaceted, necessitating a comprehensive approach to care that addresses emotional, psychological, and social needs. At the Weiser Family Center for Breast Cancer, we understand by leveraging a range of support services and resources, breast cancer patients can better cope with their diagnosis, treatment, and post-treatment phases, enhancing their overall quality of life.

Further reading:

• Tumor Receptors & Breast Cancer
• Aromatase Inhibitors Musculoskeletal Symptoms (AIMSS)
• Breast Cancer & Sexual Health
• Breast Cancer & Young Women
• Breast Cancer & Older Adults
• Psychosocial Support for Breast Cancer

• Lumpectomy & Axillary Surgery: A Patient Care Guide for Before and After Surgery

• Lumpectomy & Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: A Patient Care Guide for Before and After Surgery

• Mastectomy: A Patient Care Guide for Before and After Surgery

• Mastectomy & Axillary Surgery: A Patient Care Guide for Before and After Surgery

• Axillary Surgery: A Patient Care Guide for Before and After Surgery

Related services offered by U-M Health:

• Weiser Family Center for Breast Cancer Peer Mentoring Program
• Lymphedema Screening and Early Detection Program
• Support Services