This refers to stage 0 breast cancer. It can be of any size and be present in one or more than one part of the breast. As it is defined as cancer cells which remain within the outer membrane of the cancer cells, the potential to spread beyond the breast is almost zero they present most commonly as a mammographic abnormality, mainly as abnormal microcalcifications seen on mammograms. In rarer situations, they can present as a breast mass, nipple discharge or present as breast infection.
The prognosis of treated DCIS remains excellent at about 98 % success rate after surgery and/or radiation. Treatment regimens may vary depending on the site, size of DCIS and the general fitness of the patient.
What is DCIS or Ductal Carcinoma In-Situ ?
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ, also known as intraductal carcinoma or stage 0 breast cancer is a non- or pre-invasive form of breast cancer. In DCIS, the cells lining the ducts in the breast change to cancerous ones, but does not spread to the neighbouring regions and tissues yet.
What is the Treatment for DCIS ?
In most cases, DCIS can be treated with breast-conserving surgery (BCS) or a mastectomy. If the DCIS cells are hormone-receptor-positive, inhibitors may be administered after the surgery.
If I have DCIS there should be no need to remove the breast?
This depends on the size of the DCIS and also if it is present in one area or multiple areas ( muti-focal) of the breast. If the DCIS spans across the whole breast or a significant portion of the breast then it will be difficult to accomplish proper cancer clearance without removing the breast.
In scenarios where the DCIS is a relatively small area compared to the size of the breast, then breast conservation can be safely accomplished.