What should you know about stages of DCIS?

DCIS is sometimes called stage 0 breast cancer because abnormal cells have not grown beyond the duct into nearby breast tissue. A mammogram may show an area that needs investigation, and a breast biopsy examines cells under a microscope. The report can describe cell grade, hormone receptors and whether the sample represents the whole area.

There are no stages in the same spread-based sense used for invasive breast cancer. The team instead considers the size and position of the area, its appearance on imaging, pathology features and whether it can be removed with a clear margin.

Your team may discuss lumpectomy, with or without radiotherapy, or mastectomy when the affected area is extensive or in several parts of the breast. Hormone therapy may be offered when the cells have relevant hormone receptors. Bring the pathology report to appointments, ask how the proposed option affects breast shape and recovery, and discuss any family history that may change assessment.

After a biopsy or operation, seek prompt advice for increasing redness, swelling, drainage, wound separation, fever or pain that is not controlled by the agreed plan. Contact the breast team if a new lump, skin change or nipple discharge appears, even if earlier imaging was reassuring.

Ask what the biopsy shows, whether the whole area has been sampled, what treatment choices are suitable, and whether hormone receptor testing or further imaging is needed. Ask how follow-up mammograms will be arranged and what changes should prompt a call.