Large Ductal Carcinoma

What is Large Ductal Carcinoma?

Large ductal carcinoma is the most usual breast cancer. The cancer forms in the cells of the breast. It starts from the milk ducts and reaches to the nipples. The larger version of large ductal carcinoma is known as IDC (invasive ductal carcinoma), and sometimes also referred to as infiltrating ductal carcinoma. It is the situation in which cancer has ‘invaded’ or spread to the surrounding tissues of the breast.

Large ductal carcinoma can lead to inappropriate size and appearance of the breast. The nipples may stop functioning and breastfeeding cannot be performed. In unlikely circumstances, the nipples get pulled inside or backward in the breast, and even the skin get damaged.

Symptoms

The symptoms of large ductal carcinoma are:

  • Thickening or lump in or near the breast, or under the arm.
  • The change in the size of breasts.
  • Discharge or tenderness of nipples.
  • Pitting or ridges of the breast which can make the breast’s skin look like that of an orange.

Show More

Causes

Following are the probable causes of large ductal carcinoma:

  • Abnormal growing of the breast cells that rapidly multiply to form a lump.
  • Hormonal changes.
  • Environmental factors.
  • Exposure to radiations.
  • Family history.

 

Show More

Risks

The major risk factors are:

  • Genetics: A woman is most likely to face the disease if she has a close relative who has been diagnosed with large ductal carcinoma earlier. The women who are carrying the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are considerably at a higher risk of developing large ductal carcinoma. These genes can be inherited.
  • Aging: As a woman gets older, the risk of developing the disease gets higher. Mainly after the menopause, women are likely to develop the disease.
  • History: Women who had this disease earlier can develop the disease again.
  • Obesity: Obese women are more prone to developing large ductal carcinoma.
  • Height: As compared to short women, taller women are likely to develop the disease.
  • Exposure to radiation: X-rays and CT (computed tomography) scans may slightly raise the patient’s risk of developing the disease.

 

Show More

Prevention

The basic prevention against large ductal carcinoma is to avoid radiations like X-rays and (UV) ultraviolet rays, which is the basic reason for the development of the disease. In case, you have faced the problem earlier, you should follow the precautions advised to prevent the recurrence of the disease.

Show More

How is it diagnosed?

At Medanta following technologies are used to find the existence of large ductal carcinoma:

...

How is it treated?

Treatment usually depends on the cancer type and the area of its origin. Our doctors at Medanta carry out the treatment which includes surgery and radiation, and removes the cancer without affecting the body. 

..

  • Systemic treatments

     Such treatments are given through the mouth or the bloodstream to target the cancer cells present in the body.

  • Biological therapies

    Biological therapies use immune system to get over cancer. Several doctors, surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists are involved in the treatment process.

When do I contact the doctor?

You should immediately consult a doctor or a physician, if you detect softening of the nipples, damaging of the skin, and increase in the size of the breasts. They help to rectify the disease at an early stage.

Book an Appointment

  • Have a question?

    Call us +91 - 124 - 4141414

Feedback