Understanding Your Pathology Report: Extensive DCIS & Other Terms Explained

Question
Thank you for your previous response to my question about my report. I have another question for you, What does my report mean where it states "extensive ductal carcinoma in situ, low & intermediate grade, micropapillary and cribriform types with & without microcalcifications? I have already had a lumpectomy & I am getting ready to have a 2nd surgery, with radiation & her2 positive therapy.  Also what does pTis, pNX, & pMX mean? Thank you.

Answer
Well extensive ductal carcinoma in situ (= stage 0) means that you have a lot of early cancer restricted to its point of origin in milk ducts. It is of low and intermidiate grade meaning that it does not seem to be very malignant. That is good news as is the fact that the cancer is restricted to its place of origin. All the rest are technicalities which would mean that I would have to give you a crash course in tumor pathology to be able to explain and they are not that important in evaluating your risks and chances or therapy at present. I do this in my spare time and free of charge so I'm not prepared to give you such a course.