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What Is DCIS?
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is an early form of cancer confined to the lactiferous (milk producing) ducts of the breast.
DCIS Treatment Options
The choice of whether surgery is required or what surgery is best for you can be a difficult decision to make. After reviewing your diagnosis in clinic, the breast surgeon can work with you to arrive at a shared decision that balances your peace of mind, your cosmetic expectations as well as the treatment for your breast cancer.
Is DCIS Cancer?
DCIS is sometimes referred to as "pre-cancer" or "stage 0" breast cancer. A DCIS diagnosis indicates that cancerous cells were found inside the lactiferous ducts of the breast, usually during a routine mammogram, but have not spread. The cells can develop into cancer if left untreated.
References
Rosso KJ, Weiss A, Thompson AM. Are There Alternative Strategies for the Local Management of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ? Surg Oncol Clin N Am 27(1):69-80, 2017.
Thompson AM, Clements K, Cheung S, Pinder SE, Lawrence G, Sawyer E, Kearins O, Ball GR, Tomlinson I, Hanby A, Thomas JSJ, Maxwell AJ, Wallis MG, Dodwell DJ; Sloane Project Steering Group (NHS Prospective Study of Screen-Detected Non-invasive Neoplasias). Management and 5-year outcomes in 9938 women with screen-detected ductal carcinoma in situ: the UK Sloane Project. Eur J Cancer. 2018 Aug 6;101:210-219.
Maxwell AJ, Clements K, Hilton B, Dodwell DJ, Evans A, Kearins O, Pinder SE, Thomas J, Wallis MG, Thompson AM; Sloane Project Steering Group. Risk factors for the development of invasive cancer in unresected ductal carcinoma in situ. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2018 Apr;44(4):429-435.
