Sandbox: Singlepage Maria
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Maria Fernanda Villarreal, M.D. [2]
Synonyms and keywords: Intraductal hyperplasia; IDH; Atypical ductal hyperplasia; Comedocarcinoma; Duct cell carcinoma; Duct carcinoma
Overview
Ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer in women. Ductal carcinoma may be classified into 2 groups: invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
Historical Perspective
Ductal carcinoma was first described in 1893.
Classification
- Ductal carcinoma may be classified according to the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) into 2 groups:
- Intraductal hyperplasia (most common)
- Atypical ductal hyperplasia
- Other variants of ductal carcinoma include, non-DCIS entities.
Pathophysiology
- The pathogenesis of ductal carcinoma is characterized by the invasion of cancer cells to the ducts of the breast.
- The [gene name] gene/Mutation in [gene name] has been associated with the development of ductal carcinoma, involving the [molecular pathway] pathway.
- On gross pathology, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of ductal carcinoma.
- On microscopic histopathological analysis, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of ductal carcinoma.
Causes
- Common causes of ductal carcinoma, may include:
Differentiating ductal carcinoma from other Diseases
- Ductal carcinoma must be differentiated from other diseases that cause [clinical feature 1], [clinical feature 2], and [clinical feature 3], such as:
- [Differential dx1]
- [Differential dx2]
- [Differential dx3]
Epidemiology and Demographics
- The prevalence of ductal carcinoma is approximately [number or range] per 100,000 individuals worldwide.
- In [year], the incidence of ductal carcinoma was estimated to be [number or range] cases per 100,000 individuals in [location].
Age
- Ductal carcinoma is more commonly observed among patients aged [age range] years old.
- Ductal carcinoma is more commonly observed among [elderly patients/young patients/children].
Gender
- Ductal carcinoma affects men and women equally.
- [Gender 1] are more commonly affected with ductal carcinoma than [gender 2].
- The [gender 1] to [Gender 2] ratio is approximately [number > 1] to 1.
Race
- There is no racial predilection for ductal carcinoma.
Risk Factors
- Common risk factors in the development of ductal carcinoma, include:
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
- The majority of patients with ductal carcinoma remain asymptomatic for [duration/years].
- Early clinical features include [manifestation 1], [manifestation 2], and [manifestation 3].
- If left untreated, [#%] of patients with ductal carcinoma may progress to develop [manifestation 1], [manifestation 2], and [manifestation 3].
- Common complications of ductal carcinoma include [complication 1], [complication 2], and [complication 3].
- Prognosis generally depends on the histological subtype.
- In general, the [1/5/10year mortality/survival rate] of patients with ductal carcinoma is approximately [#%].
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Criteria
- The diagnosis of ductal carcinoma is made when at least [number] of the following [number] diagnostic criteria are met:
- [criterion 1]
- [criterion 2]
- [criterion 3]
- [criterion 4]
Symptoms
- Ductal carcinoma is usually asymptomatic.
- Symptoms of ductal carcinoma may include the following:
- [symptom 1]
- [symptom 2]
- [symptom 3]
- [symptom 4]
- [symptom 5]
- [symptom 6]
Physical Examination
- Patients with ductal carcinoma usually appear [general appearance].
- Physical examination may be remarkable for:
- [finding 1]
- [finding 2]
- [finding 3]
- [finding 4]
- [finding 5]
- [finding 6]
Laboratory Findings
- There are no specific laboratory findings associated with ductal carcinoma.
- A [positive/negative] [test name] is diagnostic of ductal carcinoma.
- An [elevated/reduced] concentration of [serum/blood/urinary/CSF/other] [lab test] is diagnostic of ductal carcinoma.
- Other laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of ductal carcinoma include [abnormal test 1], [abnormal test 2], and [abnormal test 3].
Imaging Findings
- There are no [imaging study] findings associated with ductal carcinoma.
- [Imaging study 1] is the imaging modality of choice for ductal carcinoma.
- On [imaging study 1], ductal carcinoma is characterized by [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
- [Imaging study 2] may demonstrate [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
Other Diagnostic Studies
- Ductal carcinoma may also be diagnosed using [diagnostic study name].
- Findings on [diagnostic study name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
Treatment
Medical Therapy
- There is no treatment for ductal carcinoma; the mainstay of therapy is supportive care.
- The mainstay of therapy for ductal carcinoma is [medical therapy 1] and [medical therapy 2].
- [Medical therapy 1] acts by [mechanism of action1].
- Response to [medical therapy 1] can be monitored with [test/physical finding/imaging] every [frequency/duration].
Surgery
- Surgery is the mainstay of therapy for ductal carcinoma.
- [Surgical procedure] in conjunction with [chemotherapy/radiation] is the most common approach to the treatment of ductal carcinoma.
- [Surgical procedure] can only be performed for patients with [disease stage] ductal carcinoma.
Prevention
- There are no primary preventive measures available for ductal carcinoma.
- Effective measures for the primary prevention of ductal carcinoma include [measure1], [measure2], and [measure3].
- Once diagnosed and successfully treated, patients with ductal carcinoma are followed-up every [duration]. Follow-up testing includes [test 1], [test 2], and [test 3].