What should you know about malignant ductal carcinoma in situ?

DCIS is commonly found during breast imaging, often as an area of tiny calcium deposits. It may not cause a lump or other symptom. A mammogram can show an area that needs closer assessment, while a breast biopsy examines the cells and confirms the diagnosis.

The pathology report may describe the cell grade, the extent of the area and hormone-receptor features. DCIS has not grown beyond the duct at the time it is identified, but untreated or incompletely removed disease may require further management. Your specialist will explain how the findings affect your choices.

Treatment commonly includes an operation to remove the affected area. A lumpectomy preserves most of the breast, while a mastectomy removes breast tissue; the suitable choice depends on the size and distribution of DCIS, breast shape, inherited risk and your preferences.

Radiotherapy may be offered after breast-conserving surgery. Hormone therapy for cancer may be discussed when the cells have relevant hormone receptors. Ask whether further surgery is needed, how the result will be checked and what breast imaging schedule is planned.

After a biopsy or operation, contact your care team promptly for fever, spreading redness, worsening swelling, pus, bleeding that does not settle with pressure, or sudden shortness of breath. A new breast change should also be reported rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Ask what the biopsy shows, how extensive the DCIS is, whether the margins are clear after surgery, and whether you need radiotherapy or hormone therapy. Ask which operation fits your anatomy and values, and how follow-up imaging will be arranged.