What is Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
Ductal carcinoma in situ is the presence of abnormal cells in the breast. It is the earliest form of breast cancer. The abnormal cells are located only in the tubes that carry milk to the nipple (milk ducts) and have not spread to other areas.
What are the causes?
The exact cause of ductal carcinoma in situ is not known.
What increases the risk?
The following factors increase the risk of developing ductal carcinoma in situ:
- Being older than 55 years of age.
- Being female.
- Having a family history of breast cancer.
- Current
or past hormone use, such as:
- Using birth control.
- Taking hormone therapy after menopause.
- Starting menopause after age 55.
- A
personal history of:
- Breast cancer.
- Dense breasts.
- Radiation treatments to the breasts or chest area.
- Having the BRCA1and BRCA2genes.
- Drinking more than 1 alcoholic beverage a day.
- Starting your menstrual periods before age 12.
- Having never been pregnant or having your first child after age 30.
- Having never breastfed.
- Having an inactive (sedentary) lifestyle.
- Exposure to the drug DES, which was given to pregnant women from the 1940s to the 1970s.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Ductal carcinoma in situ does not cause any symptoms.
How is this diagnosed?
Ductal carcinoma in situ is usually discovered during a routine X-ray of the breasts to check for abnormal changes (mammogram). To diagnose the condition, your health care provider may do an ultrasound and remove a tissue sample from your breast so it can be examined under a microscope (breast biopsy).
Your health care provider may also remove one or more lymph nodes from under your arm to check if the abnormal cells have spread to your lymph nodes (sentinel lymph node biopsy). Lymph nodes are part of the body’s disease-fighting (immune) system. They are located throughout the body. The lymph nodes under the arms are usually the first place where abnormal cells spread.
How is this treated?
Ductal carcinoma in situ treatment may include:
- A lumpectomy. This is surgery to remove the area of abnormal cells, along with a ring of normal tissue. This may also be called breast-conserving surgery.
- Simple mastectomy. This is surgery to remove breast tissue, the nipple, and the circle of colored tissue around the nipple (areola). Sometimes, one or more lymph nodes from under the arm are also removed and tested for cancer cells.
- Preventive mastectomy. This is the removal of both breasts. This is usually done only if you have a very high risk of developing breast cancer.
- Radiation. This is the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
- Medicines (hormone therapy) to keep the abnormal cells from spreading.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
- Eat
a healthy diet. A healthy diet includes lots of fruits and vegetables,
low-fat dairy products, lean meats, and fiber.
- Make sure half your plate is filled with fruits or vegetables.
- Choose high-fiber foods such as whole-grain breads and cereals.
- Limit alcohol intake to no more than 1 drink a day for women (no drinks if you are pregnant) and 2 drinks a day for men. One drink equals 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1½ oz of hard liquor.
- Do notuse any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Where to find more information
- American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org
- National Cancer Institute: www.cancer.gov
Contact a health care provider if:
- You have a fever.
- You notice a new lump in either breast or under your arm.
- You have any symptoms or changes that concern you.
Get help right away if:
- You have chest pain or trouble breathing.
Summary
- Ductal carcinoma in situ is the presence of abnormal cells in the breast. It is the earliest form of breast cancer.
- The exact cause of ductal carcinoma in situ is not known. The risk increases with age and with current or past hormone use.
- To diagnose the condition, your health care provider will remove a tissue sample from your breast so it can be examined under a microscope (breast biopsy).
