Invasive ductal carcinoma accounts for 80 percent of all diagnosed breast cancer. At Penn Medicine, we offer comprehensive care that includes expertise, innovation, and support for every stage of invasive ductal carcinoma and other infiltrating breast cancer types.
What is invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)?
Invasive ductal carcinoma, also known as infiltrating ductal carcinoma, is a type of breast cancer that starts in the milk ducts of the breast and moves into nearby tissue. In time, IDC may spread (metastasize) through the lymph nodes or bloodstream to other areas of the body. This is known as metastatic breast cancer. Invasive ductal carcinoma is also the most common type of male breast cancer.
Invasive ductal carcinoma symptoms
IDC may be discovered on a mammogram before presenting any symptoms. However, some individuals may have symptoms including:
- Changes in breast shape
- Breast or nipple pain
- Discharge from the nipple
- Swelling of the breast
- A lump in the breast tissue
- Thickening of the nipple skin
Diagnosing infiltrating ductal carcinoma
IDC is typically diagnosed after detection through routine breast cancer screenings such as mammogram. While IDC does not always produce typical breast cancer symptoms, you may notice a new lump or unusual changes in your breast. If your physician suspects breast cancer, additional tests and a breast biopsy may confirm a diagnosis of IDC. The size of the initial tumor and the extent of cancer spread determines the stage of breast cancer.
Rare subtypes of IDC breast cancer
Some people may be diagnosed with a subtype of IDC. These breast cancer diagnoses are rare, with each one making up less than five percent of all breast cancers. Less common forms of IDC include:
- Medullary carcinoma
- Metaplastic carcinoma
- Mucinous (or colloid) carcinoma
Treatment for infiltrating ductal carcinoma
The first step in personalized and effective IDC breast cancer treatment is an accurate diagnosis. Our specialized breast cancer pathologists and radiologists work together to get an accurate diagnosis, including hormone receptors and HER2 status. With this information in hand, we tailor your breast cancer treatment.
The IDC treatment your physician decides is best for you relies on many factors, such as your personal health, size of tumor, spread of the cancer cells, and the stage of breast cancer. Because IDC can be described as a stage 1 (earliest stage) to a stage IV (most advanced stage), there are several different treatments that may be used and used in varying combinations.
What is the prognosis for IDC?
When caught and treated early, the prognosis for localized invasive ductal carcinoma is good with a five-year survival rate of nearly 100%. If the cancer has spread to nearby tissue or metastasized to other areas of the body the five-year survival rate drops. Your healthcare provider will be able to discuss your individual prognosis and treatment options with you.
Why choose Penn Medicine for invasive ductal carcinoma treatment?
Invasive ductal carcinoma requires comprehensive care from the beginning stages of diagnosis through post-treatment follow-up. Our Breast Cancer Program offers patient-centered, innovative care for every aspect of IDC. At Penn Medicine, you’ll find:
- Specialized providers: Our multidisciplinary team of radiologists, pathologists, oncologists, and surgeons focuses only on breast cancer. Our in-depth knowledge allows us to provide unparalleled care.
- Innovative treatments: We are on the forefront of new breast cancer treatments. Through breast cancer research and clinical trials and the newest protocols in care, we provide the most tailored treatment options for every patient.
- Continuous support: We offer guidance and support throughout your entire journey with breast cancer. Our oncology nurse navigators coordinate your care and answer all questions while also offering breast cancer support services to provide comfort and relief during treatment.
- Convenient care: Our providers offer expert breast cancer care at all Penn Medicine breast cancer locations. This collaboration across the network means you get the right treatment close to home.
- Cutting-edge research on inherited cancer: The Basser Center for BRCA at Penn Medicine provides education and support for individuals and families with BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations. Its mission is to deliver cutting edge research to advance the care of individuals who carry BRCA mutations.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.