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I got my results and it is invasive ductal carcinoma, grade 2, no special type? What are the best treatments for this type of BC?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
California City, CA
July 3
 · 
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A MyBCTeam Member

Hi Cleo, the term "No Special Type" is apparently interchangeable with the term "Invasive Ductal Carcinoma" (IDC) which is the most common diagnosis- but it only tells part of the story, the IDC means that the cancer cells started in a milk duct, and has pushed its way (invading) nearby tissues. The treatment plan will depend in large part on what is driving the cancer cells to reproduce. For about 80% of us, it is one (or both) hormones, Estrogen and/or Progesterone. For me, mine is not hormone driven, instead it is a protein (HER2) and so, they are treated differently. Your team will need to know what those biomarkers (also called receptors) are, so they can tailor your plan. Keeping you in prayers as your team gathers all the info to design the best protocols for you! Hugs!

July 4
MyBCTeam

First, receiving a diagnosis like this can feel overwhelming — it's completely okay to take a breath. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), grade 2, "no special type" (NST) is the most common form of breast cancer, which means there's a lot of experience and research behind treating it.

Grade 2 means the cancer cells look Show Full Answer

First, receiving a diagnosis like this can feel overwhelming — it's completely okay to take a breath. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), grade 2, "no special type" (NST) is the most common form of breast cancer, which means there's a lot of experience and research behind treating it.

Grade 2 means the cancer cells look somewhat abnormal and grow at a moderate pace — not as slow as grade 1, but not as aggressive as grade 3. Treatment for IDC grade 2 NST is typically personalized based on tumor size, lymph node involvement, and whether the cancer is hormone receptor-positive (ER/PR) or HER2-positive. Common treatment options include:

- Surgery — either a lumpectomy (removing the tumor and some surrounding tissue) or a mastectomy (removing the whole breast)
- Radiation therapy — often used after a lumpectomy
- Hormone therapy — if the cancer is estrogen or progesterone receptor-positive
- Chemotherapy — depending on tumor size, grade, and spread
- Targeted therapy — if the cancer is HER2-positive

Your oncologist will recommend a combination based on your specific cancer's characteristics. Asking about genomic testing (like Oncotype DX) is also worth discussing, as it can help guide chemotherapy decisions for hormone receptor-positive cases.

July 3
A MyBCTeam Member

It all depends on your bio markers, and the results of a breast MRI to be sure it has not spread.

July 4
A MyBCTeam Member

Thanks, I have an appointment next week clinics close because of 4th of July.

July 4

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