Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a noninvasive condition.

DCIS can progress to become invasive cancer, but estimates of the likelihood of this vary widely. The frequency of the diagnosis of DCIS has increased markedly with the widespread use of screening mammography. Very few cases of DCIS present as a palpable mass; 80% are diagnosed by mammography alone.

Treatment Options for Patients with DCIS can be either (a)Breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy with or without tamoxifen or (b) Total mastectomy with or without tamoxife or (c) Breast-conserving surgery without radiation therapy.

The graphic shown below is of a normal breast with non–invasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in an enlarged cross–section of the duct.

Breast profile:  [A] ducts  [B] lobules [C] dilated section of milk duct
                       [D] nipple [E] fat       [F] pectoralis major muscle
                       [G] chest wall rib cage

Enlargement:    [A] normal duct cells      [B] ductal cancer cells
                       [C] basement membrane [D] lumen (center of duct)

Common Presentations