DCIS lumpectomy vs mastectomy

There is not an easy to this and my situation would not help. I can only suggest open and honest discussion with your breast surgeon and family. As you talk a clearer pathway will open up. For and against analysis my also help.  I certainly did that  and it helped.

All the best.

Ricki put it very well - a good discussion with your oncologist about all pros and cons will definitely help! I had a similar dilemma and what helped me make up my mind was thinking about what would minimise the chance of cancer coming back. Based on that, I decided to opt for a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction which I had last Monday. Not an easy decision but I hope it was the right one. Wishing you the best of luck! Hug, xx 

Hi KmS I had lumpectomy and Radiotherapy and apart from side affects from Radiotherapy, all was good. They say a lumpectomy is just as good or if not better than a mastectomy now compared to years ago. Mine was next to my chest wall and they managed to get clear margins. Speak to the Breast Care Nurses as they can give you lots of information. Good luck on your journey xx

Hi KmS 

Have you been given the choice by your oncologist?  Quite often the oncologist will suggest the course of action they believe is best for you.  I read a lot of ladies when diagnosed with BC think that they want their breast chopped off, rather than the lumpectomy because they want it completely gone, which is why I ask.  

The oncologists won't do a mastectomy if they don't recommend it as (a) they understand the panic instilled in us when we get a BC diagnosis and we could be filled with regret at choosing mastectomy when it wasn't recommended and (b) they won't do unnecessary surgery. A lumpectomy is a far easier operation to get over than a mastectomy.

I had 2 areas of DCIS and a tumour in my breast, so I had 80mm removed (luckily I was big enough) and I am now post 6 years diagnosis.  I had my operation at 4.15pm, was home by 7.30pm and back at my desk job within 2 days - back driving in 4 days. I know it would have been completely different if I'd had to have a mastectomy.

If they've given you the choice, then as others have said - a good list of pros and cons, but not an easy choice to make at all!

Kindest wishes, Lesley

Hi, I had tubular cancer in my right breast.  After surgery the margins were not clear.  They found DCIS in the margin.  Originally the surgeon said if the margins weren’t clear he would do a mastectomy.  I was given the option of another lumpectomy or mastectomy (it depends on the size of your breast.  The bigger your breast, the more you have to remove).  I asked if there would be less risk of the cancer returning if I had a mastectomy rather than another 1cm being removed and he said no.  I had two surgeries first one to remove 5coms and a further 1cm.  I then had two weeks radiotherapy.  I would discuss the options with your surgeon. Even get a second opinion.  Mentally I couldn’t have coped with a mastectomy.  I’m