When is mastectomy recommended for ductal carcinoma in situ?

DCIS is abnormal cells contained within a milk duct. The operation removes breast tissue, while lymph node surgery and reconstruction depend on the findings and your treatment plan. A mastectomy is not automatically needed for every DCIS diagnosis; imaging, biopsy results, breast size, lesion distribution and your preferences all matter.

Ask the breast surgeon to explain whether lumpectomy with radiotherapy is suitable, how much tissue would be removed, and what the pathology report might change. Discuss reconstruction, recovery, the opposite breast, and whether any lymph node assessment is advised. Bring your imaging and biopsy questions to a joint surgical and oncology visit.

Contact the breast team promptly if a biopsy site becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen or painful, or if you develop fever or drainage. Before surgery, report new breast changes or a rapidly enlarging area so the team can reassess planning.

Which findings make mastectomy preferable in my case? Could breast-conserving surgery achieve clear margins? What lymph node procedure, reconstruction choices and recovery should I expect?