Definition:
Intraductal carcinoma, or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), is when abnormal cells multiply and form a growth within a milk duct of your breast.
Diagnosis:
Treatment of DCIS has a high likelihood of success, in most instances taking out the tumor and preventing any recurrence, particularly a recurrence that spreads beyond the original site. The challenge is to prevent either overtreating or undertreating the condition.
Treatment options for DCIS include: Lumpectomy only; lumpectomy and radiation therapy; lumpectomy and the drug tamoxifen; or simple mastectomy.
Treatment:
Mammography is the most helpful tool in identifying DCIS. Because DCIS may be present in the breast even though one can't feel it, getting regular mammograms can help identify microscopic breast changes that might be associated with DCIS.
Symptoms and Signs:
DCIS usually has no external signs or symptoms. However, some women may have a breast lump or nipple discharge linked with DCIS. Usually, though, DCIS is found on a screening mammogram, in which a radiologist identifies microcalcifications — tiny groups of calcium deposits — that indicate the presence of breast cancer. The microcalcifications show up on a mammogram as irregularly sized and shaped clusters of white spots.
Causes:
Researchers don't know exactly what leads to DCIS. Studies are ongoing exploring the interaction of genetics, environmental factors and hormonal exposures to fully understand why some women develop breast cancer and others don't.
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