Procedure
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a precancerous condition. The term “in situ” means “in place”. This means that the DCIS does not form any offshoots in the body. Treatment is nevertheless recommended, as it can cure the disease. If left untreated, DCIS can develop into invasive breast cancer in 30 – 50% of patients.
Radiotherapy always takes place after the operation as an outpatient treatment, is non-invasive (i.e. does not require anesthesia) and can therefore be easily integrated into everyday private and professional life. Fractionated treatment is necessary for DCIS. This means that the radiation dose is divided into many small daily fractions and the treatment is usually carried out over a period of 3-4 weeks. Anti-hormonal therapy, which is sometimes necessary, can also be carried out in parallel with radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is usually tolerated without any problems and only takes a few minutes. Close and personal support is a matter of course for us.
The Department of Radiation Oncology at the USZ uses only the most modern techniques for precise breast irradiation with few side effects. Standard techniques in our clinic include intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and the technical advancement VMAT (volumetric modulated arc therapy), “fast” high-energy electrons, image-guided adjustment and radiation (IGRT), as well as treatment using the breath-hold technique (DIBH) for left-sided DCIS.
In our department, you will be cared for by proven experts in the treatment of DCIS.
