Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

What comes next if DCIS has spread?

Fighter Lise
  • 1 reply
  • 42 subscribers
  • 404 views

I have large area high grade but non invasive DCIS that consultant says needs a mastectomy. Had my SLN biopsy 14th March and get results next 22nd March. Just heard this evening my mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction has been moved forward to 28th March. Terrified of such a long op but happy that, with what I know today, it’s the right choice for me.

My question is, if they find the cancer is in the SLN and looks like it’s spread next Tuesday what happens next? Is it chemotherapy instead of any operation? Or could they do the op as planned with chemotherapy after? Any advice would be very helpful. I have not been given a designated breast cancer nurse to ask questions like this.

Lisa 

  • Dear Lisa,

    Thanks very much for getting in touch and welcome to our online community, I hope you find it supportive. It’s completely understandable why you would want to know more about what may happen.

    Everybody’s treatment plan is unique to them, created using clinical guidelines based on the diagnosis. NICE Guidance NG101 describes the diagnosis and management recommendations for people with early and locally advanced breast cancer.

    Treatments offered after surgery are to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. Doctors can sometimes use tumour profiling tests to help identify which treatments may help reduce this risk.

    If the SLN biopsy shows breast cancer cells, then you may be offered other treatments.  We are unable to see your medical records, and treatment plans are usually discussed as part of a multidisciplinary team. For specific information about your situation, we would recommend contacting your hospital team. It is unfortunate that you do not have details of a Breast Care Nurse, as they would be able to access your records and answer the questions you have. You could contact your consultant’s secretary to see if you could speak with your consultant or ask if there is a Breast Care Nurse team you could get in touch with.

    I can see you have joined our Breast Cancer forum, and I hope you find that a helpful source of support. Breast Cancer Now have a Helpline run by Breast Cancer Specialist Nurses who may be able to help too.

    Best wishes,

     

    Jo, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

    Ref/IY

Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007