Breast Cancer and Ductal Carcinoma in situ

Typically, breast cancer screenings are performed to catch the disease in the early stages. If the disease is found, either through screening or recognized signs and symptoms, further tests are performed to determine the extent of the disease.
In 2011, 288,130 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in women in the U.S. Almost 25% of all new breast cancers diagnosed in the United States are Ductal carcinoma in situ.
What is Ductal carcinoma in situ?
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is also known as intraductal carcinoma. DCIS is a relatively new diagnosis and is a term used to describe cells that are growing inappropriately inside the ducts of the breast.  Those cells look like cancer cells under the microscope.  They are abnormal cells that have not spread into the surrounding fatty breast tissue or to any other part of the body.  They are totally confined to the duct and therefore non-invasive.
DCIS began being diagnosed more readily when mammography became a routine part of medical care.   More than 24% of all new breast cancers diagnosed in the United States are DCIS.
How do cancer cells work?
Most breast cancers arise in cells that line the ducts and lobules of the breast.  When cells in the lining of breast ducts are growing inappropriately, it’s called hyperplasia.  When they grow inappropriately and do not appear normal under the microscope, they are called atypical hyperplasia.
Are DCIS cells the same as cancer cells?
DCIS cells are different than actual cancer cells.  They lack the biological capacity to metastasize or spread elsewhere in the body, like cancer cells do.  So are you wondering why DCIS cells fall into the category of cancer cells?
Some DCIS cells can change genetically and become true cancers, and you should not ignore a DCIS diagnosis because science doesn’t know yet which DCIS cells will change and become invasive–and which will remain DCIS.
Are you diagnosed DCIS?
If you are diagnosed with DCIS it is important to know how aggressive or risky your cell type is because there are different kinds of DCIS.  For example, Comedo-carcinoma considered to be an early stage of breast cancer, is considered more aggressive and high-grade than cribiform, which is considered low-grade.  By defining the type of DCIS, it’s easier to define your treatment options, which in turn affects whether DCIS becomes invasive breast cancer.
A diagnosis of DCIS depends on the pathologist, and the diagnosis may be controversial.  Therefore, second, independent opinions are always important.
Whether your doctor refers to DCIS as cancer or pre-cancer, it requires careful treatment and follow-up to avoid the possibility of an invasive breast cancer developing.
Stay abreast of your health with daily self examination and regular check-ups.