Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Invasive ductal carcinoma, the most typical type of breast cancer, is referred to as IDC. IDC is thought to be the cause of about 80% of all breast cancer diagnoses. IDC starts in the milk ducts, where it eventually breaks through the duct wall and spreads to other parts of the breast. It might disperse to the organs and lymph nodes, among other parts of the body.

IDC can be further divided into several subtypes based on its molecular characteristics, including:

• Luminal A: This is an oestrogen-receptor positive IDC that tends to grow slowly and responds well to hormone therapy. It usually has a good prognosis.
• Luminal B: This is also an oestrogen-receptor positive IDC, but it tends to grow faster than luminal A and may not respond as well to hormone therapy. It usually has a worse prognosis than luminal A tumours.
• HER2-positive: This subtype produces excessive amounts of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 protein and over expresses the HER2 gene (HER2). It frequently requires additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or targeted therapies like trastuzumab, because it is more aggressive than other types of IDC (Herceptin).
• Triple negative: This type lacks receptors for oestrogen, progesterone, and HER2, making it harder to treat since it does not respond well to hormone therapies or targeted treatments like Herceptin. These tumours tend to be more aggressive and have a poorer prognosis than other types of IDC

The exact cause of IDC is unknown, but risk factors include

• Age,
• Gender
• Family History
• Obesity
• Alcohol Use,
• Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Certain Genetic Mutations.

The most common symptoms associated with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) are a

• Lump Or Mass In The Breast
• Nipple Discharge
• Changes To The Shape And Feel Of The Breast
• Changes To The Skin Around The Breast.
• Other signs may include
• Redness Or Swelling Of The Breast
• Pain In The Affected Area,
• Changes To The Nipple Such As Retraction Or Scaliness.

The best way to prevent IDC is to practise healthy lifestyle habits such as

• Achieving And Sustaining A Healthy Weight
• Maintaining a Healthy Weight Through Proper Diet
• Maintaining a regular exercise routine and cutting back on alcohol intake
• Keeping a healthy lifestyle means not smoking or using other tobacco products and doing regular self-examinations.
• In addition, women over the age of 40 should schedule annual mammogram screenings for the purpose of identifying any early signs of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC).

When diagnosing IDC, doctors may use a variety of tests to determine if cancer is present in the body. These tests may include:

• Mammogram: Mammograms are excellent screening tools used to detect early signs of cancer in breast tissue by taking X-rays of both breasts and examining them for any abnormalities.
• Ultrasound: Ultrasounds are also used to check for any lumps or changes in size or shape that could indicate cancer growth.
• Blood test: Blood tests can be used to detect certain proteins that may be released by tumour cells into the bloodstream, which could indicate a possible diagnosis of cancer.
• Biopsy: Biopsies involve taking a sample from an area within suspected tumours to examine it under a microscope for signs of malignancy or other abnormal cells that suggest cancer growth.
• Physical examination: Physical examinations are conducted to look for lumps or other changes in the breast tissue that could indicate cancer growth.

Possible complications of IDC include

• Metastasis To Other Organs, Such As The Lungs, Liver, And Bones;
• Recurrence Of Cancer;
• Lymphedema
• Heightened danger of contracting certain other forms of cancer
• Stress on the psychological front.

These may include:

• Ashwagandha: Due to this herb's well-known adaptogenic characteristics, it may be able to aid the body in overcoming both physical and mental stress. Additionally, ashwagandha may have anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating properties.
• Turmeric: The possible anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of this spice make it a popular Ayurvedic treatment. It might also possess some anticancer qualities.
• Guggulu: This herb is used in Ayurveda to support the immune system and reduce inflammation. It may also have some potential as an adjunctive therapy for cancer.
• Aloe vera: This plant is known for its healing properties and is often used to soothe burns and other skin irritations. It may also have immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Ayurvedic massage: Massage with warm oils, such as sesame or coconut oil, may help to reduce stress and improve sleep.

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help people with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) stay strong and maintain their weight.
• Consuming a wide variety of meals that are high in nutrients, including a large quantity of fruits and vegetables
• Proteins with a Low Fat Content Whole Grains The natural process of the body's healing can be helped along by consuming healthy fats.
• Increase intake of antioxidants: Foods high in antioxidants like
• Berries, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables can aid in the fight against cancer-related inflammation.
• Eat more fibre: Increased fibre consumption can aid in better digestion and the reduction of inflammation. Among the best sources of fibre are
• Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes, as well as grains in their whole form.
• Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids To Your Diet: Omega-3 Fatty Acids have anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial during cancer treatment. Good sources include fatty fish like salmon or tuna as well as walnuts or flaxseeds.

• It is recommended to avoid foods that are high in saturated fat, trans fat, or cholesterol, such as fried foods and processed meats.
• Avoiding too much sugar and refined carbohydrates is also important.
• In addition, it is best to limit the intake of alcoholic beverages.

• Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, surgery, and other treatments are frequently used to treat invasive ductal carcinoma.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy may be administered either before or after a surgical procedure, depending on the nature of the procedure that was carried out.
• This has the potential to improve overall survival rates as well as reduce the recurrence rate for patients diagnosed with IDC.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It can be used before or after surgery depending on how advanced your IDC is and if it has spread to other parts of your body. It may also be recommended if you are at high risk for recurrence even after treatment with other.
• Lumpectomy: A lumpectomy, sometimes referred to as a partial mastectomy, involves the removal of the malignant tumour plus a small portion of the surrounding healthy tissue. When the cancer is minimal and has not progressed to other breast regions, this is usually done.
• Mastectomy: It is necessary to remove the whole breast in order to perform a mastectomy. If the cancer is extensive or has spread to other areas of the breast, this may be advised as a treatment option.
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy: In this procedure, the surgeon removes one or more lymph nodes to check for cancer cells. This is often done in conjunction with a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy.
• Hormonal therapy: Hormonal therapy is used in some cases to block hormones that stimulate tumour growth in specific types of IDC such as those driven by hormones like oestrogen or progesterone (ER/PR positive).
• Targeted therapies: Targeted therapies are drugs that target specific genes involved in tumour growth which can help slow down or stop its progression in some patients with advanced disease.

An oncologist, who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, is the most qualified medical professional to confer with regarding IDC.

It is possible that you may also need to consult with additional professionals, such as a radiologist, a surgeon, or a pathologist, depending on the stage of your IDC.

You and your doctor will collaborate to develop an individualised treatment plan for you that may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or surgery. This plan may also include other possible treatments.

• Chemotherapy drugs: These drugs work by killing cancer cells or stopping them from dividing and growing. Some examples include cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and paclitaxel.
• Targeted therapy drugs: These drugs target specific proteins or genetic changes that are present in cancer cells. Examples include imatinib, trastuzumab, and lapatinib.
• Hormonal therapy drugs: These drugs work by blocking the action of hormones that can fuel the growth of certain types of cancer, such as breast and prostate cancer. Examples include tamoxifen and goserelin.
• Immunotherapy drugs: These drugs help to boost the body's natural immune system to fight cancer. Examples include nivolumab and pembrolizumab.
• Supportive care drugs: These drugs are used to help manage side effects and symptoms of cancer and its treatment. Examples include pain medications, anti-nausea drugs, and blood transfusions.

The time it takes to recover from Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) will vary depending on the individual and their treatment plan which can be several months to years. In addition, a significant component of recovery is the management of both the physiological and psychological aftereffects of therapy.

The results of cancer treatment can vary widely from one person to another, and in some cases, the cancer may come back after treatment.

This is known as recurrence. The risk of recurrence depends on a number of factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, the patient's age and overall health, and the effectiveness of the treatment.

• In India, the cost of therapy for Invasive Ductal Carcinoma varies based on the kind and stage of the disease, as well as the treatment that is selected.
• Generally, treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cost anywhere between Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 5 lakhs.
• Surgery can range from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 10 lakhs depending on the complexity of the procedure and number of organs affected.
• Additionally, drugs prescribed for Invasive Ductal Carcinoma can cost up to several thousand rupees per month.

Common side effects of treatments for Invasive Ductal Carcinoma include

• Body ache andFatigue
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Hair Loss
• Pain
• Diarrhoea
• Dry Mouth
• Skin Reactions Such As Rash Or Itching
• Changes In Taste Or Smell,
• Swelling Or Infection At The Site Of The Surgery Or Radiation Therapy.

If you have any Invasive Ductal Carcinoma problems, you should see a doctor right away since they can lead to psychological anguish, lymphedema, and an increased risk of developing other malignancies. The length of the therapy will depend on how severe the complications are which can range from a few months to several years.