What is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)?

This is my diagnosis and I needed to know more and to know what my chances are for survival and what me treatment will look like. So, in this blog post, I will explain what I have learned as a newly diagnosed person, that what invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is, which is a type of breast cancer that affects many women around the world. IDC is the most common form of breast cancer, accounting for 80% of all breast cancer diagnoses.

IDC happens when abnormal cells growing in the lining of the milk ducts change and invade breast tissue beyond the walls of the duct. The milk ducts are the passageways where milk from the milk glands (lobules) flows to the nipple. Once the cancer cells invade the surrounding tissue, they can spread to other parts of the body through the lymph nodes or bloodstream. This is called metastatic breast cancer.

Signs & Symptoms

Some of the possible signs and symptoms of IDC are:

• Lump in the breast
• Thickening or redness of the skin of the breast
• Swelling or change in the shape of the breast
• Localized persistent breast pain
• Dimpling or retraction of the skin of the breast or the nipple
• Nipple discharge, other than breast milk
• Scaly or flaky skin on the nipple or an ulceration (sore) on the skin of the breast or nipple
• Lumps in the underarm area

However, in many cases, IDC causes no symptoms and is found after a screening mammogram, which is what happened to me. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can detect lumps that are too small to feel or see. Mine was too deep to be felt with a self-exam. Other tests that can help diagnose IDC are physical exam, ultrasound, biopsy and MRI.

Diagnosis & Treatment

The treatment for IDC depends on several factors, such as the size and location of the tumor, whether it has hormone receptors, whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other organs, and your overall health and preferences. Some of the common treatment options are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy.

The prognosis for IDC varies depending on the stage of the disease, which is determined by the cancer’s characteristics. The earlier IDC is detected and treated, the better the chances of survival. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for women with localized IDC is 99%, while for women with distant IDC it is 29%.

IDC is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. If you notice any changes in your breasts or have any concerns, you should contact your doctor right away for further evaluation. You can also learn more about IDC and other types of breast cancer from reputable sources such as:

• Johns Hopkins Medicine: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/breast-cancer/invasive-ductal-carcinoma-idc
• Breastcancer.org: https://www.breastcancer.org/types/invasive-ductal-carcinoma
• Penn Medicine: https://www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/types-of-cancer/breast-cancer/types-of-breast-cancer/invasive-ductal-carcinoma

I hope this blog post has been informative and helpful for you. Thank you for reading about my journey!