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.
Facing invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) requires a dedicated team from day one. Penn Medicine breast cancer care walks with you through every stage—from your initial diagnosis to post-treatment recovery—delivering innovative, patient-first care.
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
How is IDC diagnosed?
Invasive or infiltrating ductal carcinoma breast cancer is typically diagnosed after the detection of irregular cells 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.
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.
Choosing Penn Medicine for IDC breast cancer care
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.
Related specialties
Patient stories
From survivor to inspiring others to exercise
Doris Piccinin uses her own firsthand experience as a breast cancer survivors to help other survivors. “I’m excited to see a lightbulb go on for people when they realize that not all physical activity is the same, and to see them recognize and understand the questions to ask when they’re having limitations. That’s where I gain my inspiration.”
A mom-inspired clinical trial journey to help others
“I wanted to participate in a clinical trial because I was inspired by my mom,” Kate Korson said. “I saw how brave she was and the success she had on a clinical trial. I felt like I received the best possible care by taking part in a clinical trial, and it feels good to know that I’m helping others by contributing to cancer research.”
Creating beauty out of a breast cancer journey
“Cancer isn’t just physically grueling. It mentally and emotionally tears you down,” Ginger Mimmo Rohlfing said of her experience navigating HER2-positive breast cancer, chemotherapy, mastectomy, and breast reconstruction surgery. Her paintings of leaf and petal patterns “were a metaphor for putting pieces of myself back together.”
From patient to advocate, battling breast cancer and disparities
With her metastatic breast cancer under control, Jamil Rivers is looking out for other Black women. “We’re trying to help them understand what to anticipate, what questions to ask, and how to be advocates for themselves.”
Helping to stop cancer from coming back
“I often say Dr. DeMichele saved my life twice,” said Illeana Casiano-Vazquez. “Without this trial, I don’t know if I’d still be here. She really put herself at the center of what it is to be a breast cancer patient without any options, and I’m so thankful she didn’t give up.”
Volunteering to intercept cancer for future generations
“I'm convinced that I would have had breast cancer in my 40s as my mother, my grandmother, and my grandmother’s sister all did,” said Maggie Gaines. She is now part of an innovative clinical trial aiming to intercept hereditary cancers before they start.
A woman's unique path to a lung cancer diagnosis
I was completely shocked. I had no symptoms, I never smoked or spent time around smokers, and there is no history of lung cancer in my family.
A breast cancer survivor at 28, she’s now a voice of hope
After her twin tested BRCA2-positive, Brooklyn Olumba got tested, leading to her own cancer diagnosis. Now she’s educating other young women of color.
Compassionate physical therapy with cancer side effects
"It has been a great experience. I got to know all of the physical therapists. It is clear that they are very passionate about their job and care about each of their patients," said Laurie Geissel.