Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) Doctor in Indore

Introduction: What is Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)?

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) is an acute or non-invasive breast cancer, in which the malignant cells are located within the milk ducts of the breast, but have not been detected spreading to the adjacent breast tissues. Though DCIS is not fatal, it may put a person at risk of developing invasive cancer of the breast in the future, provided they are not treated. They are normally found in a regular mammogram because they do not produce any symptoms that are easy to notice.

🔍 Common Types of DCIS

DCIS is classified according to the appearance of the cells in a microscope and cell growth patterns:

1. Comedo DCIS

• More aggressive form

• The cells appear distorted, and in the center, they develop necrotic (dead) tissue.

• Increased chances of being invasive.

2. Non-comedo DCIS

• Weaker and lower growing.

• Includes several subtypes:

• Cribriform

• Micropapillary

• Papillary

• Solid

DCIS may also be graded as:

• Low-grade (well-differentiated)

• Intermediate-grade

• Poorly differentiated (high-grade, greater susceptibility to becoming invasive)

⚠️ Symptoms of DCIS

DCIS can be asymptomatic and is normally detected in a screening mammogram. The symptoms may include:

• A breast lump

• Nipple discharge (transparent or bloody)

• Thickening in the breast

• Breast pain (rare)

The vast majority of cases are asymptomatic and are observed at an early stage, which also contributes to great results.

📌 Risk Factors for DCIS

A large range of risk factors of DCIS is similar to those of other forms of breast cancer:

✅ Major Risk Factors:

• Age (most common in women aged 50+)

• Breast cancer in family history.

• History of benign breast disease or atypical hyperplasia.

• Early menstruation (menstruation before 12 years old) or late menopause (menstruation after 55 years old).

• This is because the first childbirth after 30 years, or no childbirth at all.

• The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

• Dense breast tissue

• BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations

• Exposure to chest radiation.

🛡️ Prevention of DCIS

DCIS may be inevitable, but there are some measures that you can take to lower the risk:

1. Regular Screening

• The mammograms are able to find out DCIS at an early stage before it becomes invasive.

• Women between 40 and older (or younger in case they are at high risk) are to be screened regularly.

2. Lifestyle Choices

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Limit alcohol intake

• Exercise regularly

• Avoid smoking

• Have a low-fat diet that is balanced and based on lots of fruits and vegetables.

3. Medical Risk Reduction

• High-risk women (e.g., BRCA mutation carriers) can take into consideration:

• Prevention drugs (e.g., tamoxifen)

• Prevention in high-risk and rare cases.

• Genetic testing and genetic counseling.