Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)

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What is DCIS?

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Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is an early form of breast cancer. It occurs when abnormal cells develop inside the milk ducts but remain contained within them, without spreading into the surrounding breast tissue. Because it is confined (“in situ”), DCIS is considered non-invasive and is highly curable when treated.

 

How DCIS is Detected?

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DCIS is most often found during a routine screening mammogram, usually before any symptoms appear. It can show up as tiny calcium deposits (microcalcifications) on the mammogram.
Less commonly, DCIS may present as a small lump or nipple discharge.
A core biopsy confirms the diagnosis and provides information about the grade (low, intermediate, or high) and whether necrosis or calcifications are present.

 

Why DCIS Matters?

 

Although DCIS itself is not life-threatening, if left untreated it can sometimes develop into invasive breast cancer. The difficulty lies in predicting which cases will progress, so active management is generally advised to prevent future problems.

 

Treatment Options?

 

Treatment for DCIS depends on its size, location, grade, and patient preference. Options may include:

• Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy): removal of the DCIS area with a small margin of healthy tissue.

• Mastectomy: recommended when DCIS is widespread or involves several areas of the breast.

• Sentinel lymph node biopsy: occasionally performed at the time of surgery to rule out any hidden invasive cancer.

• Radiotherapy: often used after breast-conserving surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.

• Hormone therapy, such as tamoxifen, may be advised if the DCIS is hormone-receptor positive to lower the risk of future breast events.

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Each treatment plan is tailored individually, aiming for both cancer safety and an excellent cosmetic result.

 

Recovery and Follow-Up

After treatment, ongoing care includes regular check-ups and mammograms to monitor for any recurrence or new changes. Most people recover well and return to normal daily activities within a few weeks.

 

Outlook

The outlook for DCIS is excellent. With appropriate treatment, long-term survival is extremely high, and most people never develop invasive breast cancer.

 

Key Takeaways

• DCIS is an early, non-invasive form of breast cancer.

• It is most often detected through screening mammography.

• Treatment prevents progression to invasive cancer.

• A personalised approach ensures both safety and aesthetic balance.