This surgery can be done on an outpatient basis. Lumpectomy may be an option when the DCIS tumor is small and non-aggressive. Lumpectomy with radiation therapy Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to stop cancer cells from growing and to kill them. Radiation therapy given after a lumpectomy can reduce the chance of recurrence. This option has the same benefits as lumpectomy alone but the chance of recurrence is lower.
Radiation therapy can be time consuming and has short-term side effects.
It is not an option for patients with widespread DCIS in their breasts. The surgeon removes the entire breast. Since DCIS does not generally spread to the lymph nodes under your arm, they usually will not be removed. A simple mastectomy requires a short hospital stay and recovery time. The addition of the drug tamoxifen can lower the risk of developing DCIS or invasive breast cancer following surgery and radiation therapy.