What is ductal carcinoma in situ?

Most of the time, DCIS doesn't cause symptoms. But in some cases, symptoms can include a lump in the breast or fluid or blood coming from the nipple.

Treatment is based on the grade and location of the cancer and other things, such as your overall health and what matters to you. The main treatment is surgery to remove the cancer (breast-conserving surgery or a mastectomy). Other treatments may include radiation therapy and endocrine therapy.

DCIS is usually seen as small bits of calcium (microcalcifications) on a mammogram. To diagnose DCIS, your doctor will remove a sample of breast tissue and look at it under a microscope. This is called a breast biopsy.

Talk to your doctor about ways to care for yourself at home. For example, it's important to take medicines exactly as directed. Be active, but don't get too tired. Try to get enough sleep, and make time for things you enjoy. And consider joining a support group.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is the growth of abnormal cells in the milk ducts of the breast. It's an early form of noninvasive breast cancer. Noninvasive means that the cells haven't spread. Some cases of DCIS will become invasive breast cancer, but it's impossible to know which ones.

The exact cause of DCIS isn't known. Age and family health history may play a part.