The DCIS medical abbreviation stands for ductal carcinoma in situ, a condition in which abnormal cells grow inside the lining of a milk duct in the breast but have not broken through the duct wall into nearby tissue. In situ is Latin for in its original place, which is the key idea. Because the cells have not invaded, DCIS is called noninvasive and is classed as stage 0 breast cancer.
Most DCIS is found on a screening mammogram, often as a cluster of tiny calcium specks, before any lump can be felt. You will see the term on biopsy and surgical pathology reports and in breast surgery and oncology notes. Some cases may never progress, while others can become invasive if left alone, which is why treatment is usually offered.
At a glance
Stands for
Ductal carcinoma in situLatin origin
In situ, in its original placeStage
Stage 0, noninvasiveUsually found by
Screening mammogram, often as calcificationsReport details
Grade (low, intermediate, high), hormone receptor status, size, marginsDo not confuse with
IDC (invasive ductal carcinoma) and LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ)Specialty
Breast surgery, radiology, pathology, oncology
What the DCIS medical abbreviation means word by word
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ductal | Starting in the milk ducts, the tubes that carry milk to the nipple |
| Carcinoma | A cancer that begins in lining cells |
| In | Part of the Latin phrase in situ |
| Situ | Place; together, in situ means staying where it began |
The phrase in situ appears in other cancers too, such as carcinoma in situ of the cervix or skin. Each time it means the abnormal cells have not spread beyond the layer where they started.
Reading DCIS on a pathology report
Core biopsy result: "Left breast, core bx: DCIS, intermediate grade, solid and cribriform patterns, with calcifications. ER positive. No invasive carcinoma identified." The sample shows DCIS of medium grade. Solid and cribriform describe the pattern the cells form, ER positive means the cells carry estrogen receptors, and the last sentence confirms no invasion was seen in this sample.
After surgery, the report adds the size of the area, the distance to the margins and whether any invasive cancer was found in the larger specimen. Clear margins mean a rim of normal tissue surrounds the DCIS.
Grades and receptor status
Pathologists grade DCIS by how abnormal the cells look. Low grade cells look closer to normal and tend to grow slowly. High grade cells look very abnormal and are more likely to come back or progress if not treated. Some reports mention comedo necrosis, which means dead cells in the center of the duct and is often seen with high grade DCIS.
Many labs also test for estrogen receptors, and sometimes progesterone receptors. A receptor positive result can open the option of hormone blocking medicines to lower the chance of future breast cancer. Your care team explains which tests were done on your sample.
Treatment options in broad terms
Common approaches include a lumpectomy, which removes the DCIS with a margin of normal tissue, often followed by radiation to the breast. A mastectomy, removing the breast, may be suggested if the area is large or spread out, or chosen by preference. For receptor positive DCIS, a hormone therapy such as tamoxifen may be offered for several years to lower future risk. In some low risk cases, studies are looking at careful monitoring instead of immediate surgery.
Notes may list the diagnosis under CA in a problem list. Lymph node surgery is not usually needed for pure DCIS, though it may be done with a mastectomy. Condition shorthand from other areas is listed on the diagnosis abbreviations page, and XRT is a common abbreviation for radiation therapy.
Questions to bring to your breast team
- What grade is the DCIS, and how large is the area?
- Were the receptor tests positive?
- Is lumpectomy with radiation, mastectomy or another option suitable for me?
- Would hormone therapy help in my case?
- How will I be followed after treatment?
This description of DCIS is general. The surgeon, radiologist and oncologist who reviewed your pathology can walk you through what your results mean and which choices fit.
Frequently asked questions
What does DCIS stand for?
DCIS stands for ductal carcinoma in situ. It means abnormal cells are growing inside a breast milk duct but have not spread through the duct wall.
Is DCIS considered cancer?
DCIS is classed as stage 0, noninvasive breast cancer. It is not life threatening on its own, but some cases can become invasive over time, so treatment is usually recommended.
What is the difference between DCIS and IDC?
In DCIS the abnormal cells stay inside the duct. In IDC, invasive ductal carcinoma, the cells have broken through the duct wall into surrounding breast tissue.
How is DCIS usually found?
Most cases are found on a screening mammogram, often as tiny calcium deposits. A needle biopsy then confirms the diagnosis.