What is ductal carcinoma in situ?
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a type of breast cancer found in the milk ducts. It accounts for about one out of every five new cases. Unlike other types, DCIS is noninvasive, meaning it hasn’t spread to surrounding tissue or other parts of the body like metastatic breast cancer. It’s an early stage of the disease. If left untreated, it may become invasive, so early detection is important.
At Penn Medicine, our breast cancer care specialists have the expertise to detect and diagnose small tumors in the earliest stages of DCIS. Your team works with you to create an individualized treatment plan that fits your needs.
What are the symptoms of DCIS?
Ductal carcinoma in situ usually doesn’t cause specific symptoms. It’s often not something you or a provider can feel. Some people may notice a lump or slight nipple discharge. However, most cases are found during routine screening, like a mammogram.
What stage 0 breast cancer means
Breast cancer staging helps determine the type of treatment you’ll receive. Ductal carcinoma in situ is considered stage 0 in the TNM staging system, a method used to classify the extent of cancer. DCIS is the earliest form of breast cancer, where abnormal cells remain inside a milk duct and haven’t spread into nearby breast tissue.
Diagnosing ductal carcinoma in situ
DCIS is often found through breast cancer screening, like a mammogram. If something unusual appears on imaging, more testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis. If diagnosed early, DCIS is highly treatable, and most people have an excellent outlook after treatment.
Treatment options for DCIS
We treat DCIS before it becomes invasive breast cancer. Your care team works with you to create a treatment plan that is both effective and personalized to your diagnosis and lifestyle. Penn Medicine offers many different breast cancer treatment options available through our breast cancer care program.
Can you prevent DCIS?
While there is no true way to prevent ductal carcinoma in situ, annual mammograms can help detect DCIS early. Early detection of DCIS and other breast cancer types can lead to better outcomes with less invasive treatment.
While preventing DCIS specifically is unlikely, there are certain risk factors for breast cancer to be aware of. People with a strong family history or those that are worried about developing breast cancer should maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid the risks that are within their control, such as excessive alcohol consumption and not being physically active.
Our approach to DCIS care at Penn Medicine
We understand the importance of accurately diagnosing and treating DCIS. At Penn Medicine, you can expect:
- Precise diagnosis: Our specialized breast cancer pathologists gather detailed information about your type of cancer. This information helps us personalize your treatment with a comprehensive breast cancer diagnosis.
- Timely treatment: We provide a quick response to early-stage breast cancer. Our certified breast cancer nurse navigators may coordinate your appointments so that your treatment begins as soon as possible.
- Comprehensive care: Our oncologists work together to address every aspect of your care. In addition to innovative treatments, we offer extensive breast cancer support services to manage any side effects.
- Attention to breast cancer recurrence: After a breast cancer diagnosis, your risk of new and recurrent cancer increases. Our 2-PREVENT Breast Cancer Translational Center of Excellence addresses cancer concerns that arise after your treatment ends.
- Care close to home: You’ll find expert breast cancer care at all Penn Medicine breast cancer care locations. Our breast cancer specialists and staff collaborate seamlessly across the network to get you the treatment you need, no matter where you live.
- Access to the latest research: Penn Medicine’s Basser Center for BRCA is dedicated to delivering the latest research, therapies, and education on BRCA-related cancers.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.