DUCTAL BREAST CANCER IN SITU (DCIS)

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Written by : Dr.M.D.Mazumdar, MD

Diagnosis of DCIS:

Screening Mammography : Mammography is the most effective test in identifying DCIS. Very often, DCIS may be present on the breast although there may be no palpable lump, nipple discharge or any other symptom. Mammograms can pick up microscopic breast changes that might be associated with DCIS. These breast changes are usually due to deposits of calcium called microcalcifications. It is recommended that all women above 40 years get a regular yearly mammogram.
Diagnostic Mammography : If microcalcifications are seen on the screening mammogram, a more detailed study of the breast called a diagnostic mammogram which takes views at higher magnification and from more angles may be needed.
Ultrasound of the breast : Ultrasound imaging, also known as ultrasonography or sonogram, produces a picture of the internal structures of the breast and can help identify a breast mass and its characteristics. A special type of ultrasound, known as Doppler ultrasound can evaluate blood flow or lack of flow in any breast mass. A malignant mass will have more blood flow than normal tissue.
Breast Biopsy : If the areas identified by mammography and ultrasound need more evaluation, the next step is a breast biopsy. There are diffferent types of breast biopsies.
- Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy : This procedure uses a very thin needle and syringe to remove either fluid from a cyst or clusters of cells from a solid mass. Removal of tissue from a small mass with a fine needle requires a great deal of expertise.

Core Needle Biopsy : This procedure uses a somewhat larger needle with a sharp cutting edge. A core of tissue is cut from inside the mass. If the breast mass is quite large, as many as 15 samples, each about the size of a grain of rice, may be taken and sent to a lab for microscopic analysis.

Stereotactic Biopsy : This is a procedure in which tissue is removed from lumps which can be seen on a mammogram but cannot be felt on physical examination. It is done under the guidance of a mammogram or ultrasound. It helps in accurate localizing of the suspicious area.

Surgical Biopsy : In surgical biopsy, the suspicious area is first identified by mammogram. A needle is then inserted and fixed in the mass. Using this needle as a guide, the lump can be more accurately identified on the operating table and biopsied. If the lump is small, it may be completely removed - it is then called an excision biopsy.

Treatment of DCIS:

Treatment of DCIS is usually successful. There are different treatment procedures depending on the type of cellular change, the size of the tumor, the number of tumors or microcalcifications and whether the tumor is hormone dependent or not.

Treatment options for DCIS include:

Lumpectomy only.
Lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy.
Lumpectomy and the drug Tamoxifen.
Simple mastectomy.

See Page 1 for:

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Stages of Breast Cancer

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MORE TOPICS ON BREAST CANCER :

Breast Cancer Symptoms
Types of Breast Cancer
Hormone Therapy of Breast Cancer
Surgical Treatment
Chemotherapy
Radiotherapy
Risk Factors of Breast Cancer
Books on Breast Cancer
Assessing Breast Cancer

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