What is Ductal Carcinoma In Situ?:
This is a condition in which ductal cancer cells grow only inside the ducts of the breast. It is often referred to as a precancerous condition. In situ is a Latin phrase meaning in place, or in this instance, it means the abnormal cells are contained in one place (not spread into other tissue.) DCIS does not always progress to invasive cancer, where the cells invade breast tissue outside the ducts.
DCIS Signs and Symptoms:
Because the cancer cells in DCIS do not usually form lumps, there are often no signs or symptoms associated with this condition. Occasionally DCIS will form a small lump you can feel, or will cause nipple discharge.
Tests used to diagnose DCIS:
- diagnostic mammogram - DCIS is often associated with deposits of calcium called microcalcifications, which show up well on X-rays
- fine needle aspiration biopsy
- core needle biopsy
- open surgical biopsy
Stages of DCIS:
Since DCIS is not invasive, it is not itself a life-threatening condition, and is sometimes called "Stage 0" cancer. But if left untreated, DCIS can lead to invasive cancer of the breast.
Treatments used to fight DCIS:
- Lumpectomy
- Radiation
- Hormonal therapy for women with hormone-receptor-positive DCIS
