DCIS stands for ductal carcinoma in situ. The cells lining the milk ducts are cancerous, but stay contained within the ducts without growing through into the surrounding breast tissue. DCIS may affect just one area of the breast, but can be more widespread and affect different areas at the same time.
There are three grades of DCIS: low, intermediate, and high. A study was conducted that concluded that high-grade DCIS carries a significant risk of local recurrence if the patient receives surgery as the only treatment. Low or intermediate grade may be safely treated with surgery alone depending upon the individual risks and benefits of radiation and/or hormonal therapy.
The study evaluated 711 women that only received surgery for treatment of DCIS. In the year 2000 Tamoxifen was allowed. The conclusions are as follows:
- The five year risk of local recurrence for low or intermediate DCIS in the treated breast was 6.1 percent.
- The five year risk of local recurrence for high grade DCIS was 14.8 percent.
- Half of all recurrence that happened were found to be invasive cancer.
The results can help physicians understand the risks and benefits of treatment with surgery alone in patients diagnosed with DCIS.
If you receive a diagnoses of DCIS make sure you understand what is on your pathology report and what grade your DCIS is so that you can talk to your doctor about the different treatment options.
1. well in Feb 2003 i had dcis in right breast. july 2004 i had stage 1 in same breast. In 2003 i only had surgery. 2004 i had surgery, chemo, rad and now amerdex. Been clear since 2 1/2 years.Live life, love, laugh often
Posted at 6:16AM on May 19th 2009 by Peggy Whipple