Does mastectomy treat ductal carcinoma in situ?

DCIS is abnormal cell growth confined to the milk ducts. A mastectomy removes most or all breast tissue on the affected side, so it can be considered when DCIS covers a large area, appears in more than one region, or cannot be removed with a clear margin while preserving the breast. The operation may include checking nearby lymph nodes, depending on the surgical plan. It does not automatically mean that cancer has spread beyond the breast.

Some people with a smaller, localised area of DCIS may have breast-conserving surgery followed by radiotherapy instead. The suitable approach depends on imaging, biopsy findings, breast size, the position and extent of the DCIS, and personal preferences.

Review the biopsy and breast-imaging findings with a breast surgeon. Ask whether the abnormal area can be removed while preserving the breast and whether lymph-node assessment is recommended. If mastectomy is advised, discuss reconstruction, the timing of reconstruction, and what recovery may involve. A second specialist opinion can help when the options feel difficult to weigh.

Contact the breast clinic promptly if a biopsy has diagnosed DCIS and you have not received a treatment plan. After surgery, seek urgent medical advice for increasing redness, wound separation, heavy bleeding, fever, worsening swelling, or new shortness of breath.

Which features of my DCIS make mastectomy suitable? What alternatives could preserve the breast? Will lymph nodes be checked? What reconstruction choices and follow-up will I need?