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ductal carcinoma in situ

(DUK-tul KAR-sih-NOH-muh in SY-too)
A condition in which abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct. The abnormal cells have not spread outside the duct to other tissues in the breast. In some cases, ductal carcinoma in situ may become invasive breast cancer and spread to other tissues. At this time, there is no way to know which abnormal cells could become invasive. Also called DCIS and intraductal breast carcinoma.
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS); drawing shows a lobe, ducts, and fatty tissue in a cross section of the breast. The inset shows a normal duct and a duct with abnormal cells.Enlarge this image in new window
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct.
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