On a biopsy report
Invasive ductal carcinoma
Also written as IDC, Infiltrating ductal carcinoma, Invasive carcinoma of no special type, IDC NOS
What it means
This is the most common type of invasive breast cancer. It starts in the lining of the milk ducts (thin tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and has spread into the normal tissue around the ducts. It can also spread through blood and lymph.
Why it matters
It names the type of breast cancer. The rest of the report (grade, receptors, stage) then helps your oncologist choose treatment.
Ask your oncologist
"Along with the type, which other results on this report will decide my treatment?"
From NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: invasive ductal carcinoma. Not medical advice: your oncologist decides.