Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesRisk FactorsDiagnosisTreatment

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Symptoms

Causes

Risk Factors

Diagnosis

Treatment

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a condition in which cancer cells only grow inside the ducts of the breast. It is often referred to as a precancerous (stage 0) condition or an early stage breast cancer.In situis a Latin phrase meaning “in place.” In this instance, it means the abnormal cells are contained in this part of the breast and have not spread to other tissue. DCIS does not always progress to invasive cancer, where the cells invadebreast tissueoutside the duct.This article discusses DCIS signs and symptoms, causes, and risk factors. It also covers how DCIS is diagnosed, how serious it is, and what treatments are available.Signs and Symptoms of Ductal Cancer In SituAccording to the American Cancer Society, one in five new breast cancers will be DCIS. Nearly all of those who developearly stage breast cancerare cured.DCIS doesn’t always have signs or symptoms. When it does, they can include:A breast lumpPuckered or unusual looking skinThickened areas below the skinNipple dischargeMake an appointment with your healthcare provider if you noticebreast changes.Breast Cancer Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.Download PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.What Causes Ductal Carcinoma In Situ?DCIS is known to form as a result of genetic mutations in the DNA of breast duct cells. While these mutations can cause the cells to appear abnormal, the cells have not been able to break out of the duct and becomeinvasive.Researchers can’t say for sure what sets off the abnormal cell growth leading to DCIS. It is thought that a number of factors may play a part, including your genes, environment, and lifestyle.Risk Factors for DCISCertain factors may increase your risk for DCIS, including:A harmful genetic mutation in genesBRCA1 or BRCA2A family history of breast cancerA personal history of a benign breast condition, such asatypical hyperplasiaEarly menstruation (first period before age 12 years)Late menopause(after age 55 years)Late first pregnancy (after age 30 years)No pregnanciesTobacco useExcessive alcohol consumptionObesity or excess body weightHormone replacement therapyHero Images / Getty ImagesHow Is DCIS Diagnosed?DCIS is usually found during amammogram, which may be done as a part of a routinebreast cancer screening, or if you have a concern about a change in the appearance or feel of your breast. As a result of more people having mammograms regularly, the rate of DCIS being diagnosed has increased dramatically in recent years.DCIS appears as bright white specks (microcalcifications) on a mammogram. They are seen in clusters and have irregular shaping and size. If the radiologist suspects DCIS, a diagnostic mammogram is done, which offers a better view of the breast. The diagnostic mammogram looks more closely at microcalcifications to determine whether there is a reason for concern.If an area needs further evaluation, acore needle biopsyis done to remove tissue samples from the affected area using guided ultrasound. The tissue samples are then sent to a lab for analysis to determine if these cells are abnormal or if they are cancerous or aggressive in nature.DCIS is classified as a stage 0 cancer.When Should You Have a Mammogram?The American Cancer Society recommends screening mammograms for females at average risk of breast cancer starting between the ages of 40 and 44 years. At age 45 to 54 years, mammograms are recommended every year.Those aged 55 years and older can continue with screening if they are in good health and are expected to live at least another 10 years. Females at high risk should get a breast MRI and a mammogram every year, usually starting at age 30 years.Treatment for Ductal Carcinoma In SituDCIS is not an invasive breast cancer and, itself, is not a life-threatening condition. But if left untreated, DCIS can sometimes lead to invasive cancer of the breast.Since it is not currently possible to determine which DCIS cancers will or will not become invasive once diagnosed, they are treated as having the potential to become invasive.Treatment of DCIS is usually successful. Generally, it involves removing any abnormal tissue and preventing recurrences.Treatment may include:Lumpectomy:Thisis the surgical removal of the cancerous lump and a cancer-free margin of tissue. Since the chance of metastasis is so low, a lymph node biopsy is not required for diagnosing DCIS, and adjuvant chemotherapy is not necessary for treating it.Simple mastectomy:The removal of the entire breast may be necessary if the DCIS area is very large or if there are a number of areas of DCIS within the breast. ​​​​Radiation:This usually follows a lumpectomy as a standard treatment for early-stage breast cancer.Hormonal therapy:These drugs reduce the risk of a recurrence for women with hormone-receptor-positive DCIS, as well as asecond primary cancerin the opposite breast.SummaryDuctal carcinoma in situ is a perfect example of why it is important to have regular mammograms. DCIS can be identified with imaging before it can be felt as a lump. As a very early-stage breast cancer, it may or may not come with symptoms including skin changes and nipple discharge.DCIS is not an invasive cancer and usually doesn’t need to be treated with chemotherapy. Instead, treatment may include removing the lump, the entire breast, radiation, or hormonal therapy.Know your risks factors for breast cancer and manage the ones you can control. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your risk or notice any unusual breast changes. DCIS usually responds well to treatment and has an excellent survival rate.Understanding Surgical Margins in Breast Cancer

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a condition in which cancer cells only grow inside the ducts of the breast. It is often referred to as a precancerous (stage 0) condition or an early stage breast cancer.

In situis a Latin phrase meaning “in place.” In this instance, it means the abnormal cells are contained in this part of the breast and have not spread to other tissue. DCIS does not always progress to invasive cancer, where the cells invadebreast tissueoutside the duct.

This article discusses DCIS signs and symptoms, causes, and risk factors. It also covers how DCIS is diagnosed, how serious it is, and what treatments are available.

Signs and Symptoms of Ductal Cancer In Situ

According to the American Cancer Society, one in five new breast cancers will be DCIS. Nearly all of those who developearly stage breast cancerare cured.

DCIS doesn’t always have signs or symptoms. When it does, they can include:

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you noticebreast changes.

Breast Cancer Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.Download PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.

Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.

Doctor Discussion Guide Woman

Download PDF

Email AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.

Sign Up

Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.

There was an error. Please try again.

What Causes Ductal Carcinoma In Situ?

DCIS is known to form as a result of genetic mutations in the DNA of breast duct cells. While these mutations can cause the cells to appear abnormal, the cells have not been able to break out of the duct and becomeinvasive.

Researchers can’t say for sure what sets off the abnormal cell growth leading to DCIS. It is thought that a number of factors may play a part, including your genes, environment, and lifestyle.

Risk Factors for DCIS

Certain factors may increase your risk for DCIS, including:

Hero Images / Getty Images

Doctor and patient using digital tablet in clinic

How Is DCIS Diagnosed?

DCIS is usually found during amammogram, which may be done as a part of a routinebreast cancer screening, or if you have a concern about a change in the appearance or feel of your breast. As a result of more people having mammograms regularly, the rate of DCIS being diagnosed has increased dramatically in recent years.

DCIS appears as bright white specks (microcalcifications) on a mammogram. They are seen in clusters and have irregular shaping and size. If the radiologist suspects DCIS, a diagnostic mammogram is done, which offers a better view of the breast. The diagnostic mammogram looks more closely at microcalcifications to determine whether there is a reason for concern.

If an area needs further evaluation, acore needle biopsyis done to remove tissue samples from the affected area using guided ultrasound. The tissue samples are then sent to a lab for analysis to determine if these cells are abnormal or if they are cancerous or aggressive in nature.

DCIS is classified as a stage 0 cancer.

When Should You Have a Mammogram?The American Cancer Society recommends screening mammograms for females at average risk of breast cancer starting between the ages of 40 and 44 years. At age 45 to 54 years, mammograms are recommended every year.Those aged 55 years and older can continue with screening if they are in good health and are expected to live at least another 10 years. Females at high risk should get a breast MRI and a mammogram every year, usually starting at age 30 years.

When Should You Have a Mammogram?

The American Cancer Society recommends screening mammograms for females at average risk of breast cancer starting between the ages of 40 and 44 years. At age 45 to 54 years, mammograms are recommended every year.Those aged 55 years and older can continue with screening if they are in good health and are expected to live at least another 10 years. Females at high risk should get a breast MRI and a mammogram every year, usually starting at age 30 years.

The American Cancer Society recommends screening mammograms for females at average risk of breast cancer starting between the ages of 40 and 44 years. At age 45 to 54 years, mammograms are recommended every year.

Those aged 55 years and older can continue with screening if they are in good health and are expected to live at least another 10 years. Females at high risk should get a breast MRI and a mammogram every year, usually starting at age 30 years.

Treatment for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ

DCIS is not an invasive breast cancer and, itself, is not a life-threatening condition. But if left untreated, DCIS can sometimes lead to invasive cancer of the breast.

Since it is not currently possible to determine which DCIS cancers will or will not become invasive once diagnosed, they are treated as having the potential to become invasive.

Treatment of DCIS is usually successful. Generally, it involves removing any abnormal tissue and preventing recurrences.

Treatment may include:

Summary

Ductal carcinoma in situ is a perfect example of why it is important to have regular mammograms. DCIS can be identified with imaging before it can be felt as a lump. As a very early-stage breast cancer, it may or may not come with symptoms including skin changes and nipple discharge.

DCIS is not an invasive cancer and usually doesn’t need to be treated with chemotherapy. Instead, treatment may include removing the lump, the entire breast, radiation, or hormonal therapy.

Know your risks factors for breast cancer and manage the ones you can control. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your risk or notice any unusual breast changes. DCIS usually responds well to treatment and has an excellent survival rate.

Understanding Surgical Margins in Breast Cancer

5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Cancer Society.Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).Moffitt Cancer Center.Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) causes and risk factors.Breastcancer.org.Diagnosis of DCIS.American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society recommendations for the early detection of breast cancer.American Cancer Society.Treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

5 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Cancer Society.Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).Moffitt Cancer Center.Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) causes and risk factors.Breastcancer.org.Diagnosis of DCIS.American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society recommendations for the early detection of breast cancer.American Cancer Society.Treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

American Cancer Society.Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).Moffitt Cancer Center.Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) causes and risk factors.Breastcancer.org.Diagnosis of DCIS.American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society recommendations for the early detection of breast cancer.American Cancer Society.Treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

American Cancer Society.Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Moffitt Cancer Center.Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) causes and risk factors.

Breastcancer.org.Diagnosis of DCIS.

American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society recommendations for the early detection of breast cancer.

American Cancer Society.Treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

What is your feedback?