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Contents
  • What is DCIS?
  • Diagnosis and Detection
  • Treatment Options
  • Controversy and Overdiagnosis

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

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

Understanding DCIS

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive form of breast cancer that's often detected through mammograms. Let's explore what DCIS is, how it's diagnosed, and what it means for your health.
Contents
  • What is DCIS?
  • Diagnosis and Detection
  • Treatment Options
  • Controversy and Overdiagnosis

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.
DCIS is a non-invasive form of breast cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lining of the breast milk duct, posing a risk for invasive breast cancer.

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.

Controversy and Overdiagnosis

There's ongoing debate about the best way to manage DCIS. Some experts argue that not all DCIS will progress to invasive cancer, leading to concerns about overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Research is ongoing to better identify which cases of DCIS are most likely to progress, allowing for more personalized treatment approaches.

FAQs

Is DCIS cancer?

It's considered the earliest form of breast cancer.

Can DCIS spread?

By definition, DCIS hasn't spread beyond the milk duct.

What's the survival rate for DCIS?

Nearly 100% of women with DCIS survive.

Can DCIS come back after treatment?

Yes, there's a small risk of recurrence.

Do I need chemotherapy for DCIS?

Chemotherapy is not typically used for DCIS.

Key Takeaways

While DCIS is a form of early-stage breast cancer, it's highly treatable and has an excellent prognosis.
Concerned about DCIS or have more questions? Schedule a consultation with Doctronic for personalized advice.
Additional References
  1. American Cancer Society. Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS). Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/understanding-a-breast-cancer-diagnosis/types-of-breast-cancer/dcis.html
  2. National Cancer Institute. Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS). Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/dcis-fact-sheet
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.