Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): The Breast Cancer You Might Not Have Heard Of

What is DCIS?

DCIS is a condition where abnormal cells are found in the lining of the breast milk duct. These cells haven't spread beyond the duct into other breast tissue. While DCIS isn't life-threatening, it can increase the risk of developing invasive breast cancer later. It's often called 'Stage 0' breast cancer or pre-invasive breast carcinoma.

Diagnosis and Detection

DCIS usually doesn't cause any symptoms and is most often detected through mammograms. It typically appears as small clusters of calcifications. If DCIS is suspected, a biopsy is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy can also determine the grade of DCIS, which indicates how fast the cancer cells are growing.

Treatment Options

Treatment for DCIS aims to prevent it from becoming invasive cancer. Options typically include surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy) and may include radiation therapy. Some women may also be offered hormonal therapy to reduce the risk of future breast cancers. The choice of treatment depends on factors like the extent and grade of DCIS, and personal preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

While DCIS is a form of early-stage breast cancer, it's highly treatable and has an excellent prognosis.

Related Articles

• Mammograms: Your Ultimate Guide to Breast Cancer Screening
• Breast Cancer Risk Factors: What You Need to Know
• Beyond Mammograms: Other Breast Cancer Screening Tests You Should Know About
• Breast Changes: When to Worry and When to Relax

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