Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing parts of the breast Breast anatomy

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DCIS doesn't cause any signs or symptoms in most cases. However, DCIS can sometimes cause signs and symptoms, such as:

  • A breast lump
  • Bloody nipple discharge

DCIS is usually found on a mammogram.

When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice a change in your breasts, such as a lump, an area of puckered or otherwise unusual skin, a thickened region under the skin, or nipple discharge. Contact your doctor to have it evaluated.

Ask your doctor when you should consider breast cancer screening and how often it should be repeated. Most groups recommend routine breast cancer screening beginning in your 40s. Talk with your doctor about what's right for you.

Causes Definition

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  • Breast cancer
References
  1. Abeloff MD, et al. Cancer of the breast. In: Abeloff MD, et al. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008:1875.
  2. Iglehart JD, et al. Diseases of the breast. In: Townsend CM Jr, et al. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery: The Biological Basis of Modern Surgical Practice. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1565/0.html. Accessed April 15, 2011.
  3. Breast cancer. Fort Washington, Pa.: National Comprehensive Cancer Network. http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/PDF/breast.pdf. Accessed April 15, 2011.
  4. Ganz PA. Quality-of-life issues in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ. Journal of the National Cancer Institute Monographs. 2010;41:218.
  5. Deng GE, et al. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for integrative oncology: Complementary therapies and botanicals. Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology. 2009;7:85.
DS00983 June 23, 2011

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