Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), also referred to as intraductal carcinoma, is a form of breast cancer classified as stage 0. Unlike invasive breast cancer, DCIS is non-invasive and only affects the cells lining the milk ducts. However, if left undetected or untreated, it has the potential to spread. The prevalence of DCIS diagnosis has increased due to the widespread use of mammography. In the past, DCIS accounted for approximately 5% of new breast cancer diagnoses, but today it represents around 20% of all breast cancer cases in the United States.
Presentation
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) encompasses a range of lesions that differ in their clinical presentation, genetic characteristics, biomarkers, and tendency to develop into invasive breast cancer, particularly if left untreated. While the majority of women with DCIS do not experience any symptoms, some may notice a bloody discharge or a lump in the breast. Typically, DCIS is detected through mammography, which reveals the presence of small calcifications in various shapes and sizes.
Progression from Non-invasive to Invasive Breast Cancer
The progression of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive breast cancer is still not fully understood by doctors. However, recent studies have provided some insights into this process. According to the latest modeling, it has been observed that, within a span of a few months to 2.5 years, approximately 36 to 100 percent of DCIS cases may progress to invasive breast cancer if left untreated. Nevertheless, it is important to note that there is a significant degree of variation between different subtypes of DCIS, highlighting the need for further research in this area.