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When your report says DCIS

Understanding DCIS Starts With Understanding Your Reports

A DCIS finding can bring unfamiliar words, several different reports and important conversations with your breast care team. This educational resource can help you understand the terminology, organize the information you have received and prepare clearer questions for your next appointment.

Understand DCISGet help with my reports

This information is for education only. It does not provide a diagnosis, second opinion or treatment recommendation.

What Is DCIS?

DCIS stands for ductal carcinoma in situ. It means that abnormal cells have been found inside the lining of a milk duct and have not spread outside the duct into the surrounding breast tissue.

DCIS may be described as:

  • Stage 0 breast cancer
  • Noninvasive breast cancer
  • Pre-invasive breast disease
  • A precancerous breast condition
  • Intraductal carcinoma

These different descriptions can be confusing. What they share is that the abnormal cells remain contained within the milk duct. DCIS is different from invasive breast cancer, but some cases may later become invasive. Your breast care team uses the complete findings, not the term “DCIS” alone, to discuss the appropriate next steps.

DCIS is contained within the milk duct. “In situ” means “in its original place.”

The significance of an individual DCIS finding depends on the complete pathology, imaging findings and personal health history. These details should be discussed with the appropriate medical professionals.

One Finding Can Produce Several Different Reports

A woman may receive information from several facilities and specialists before she fully understands what has been found. Each report answers a different question, and no single report always tells the entire story.

Mammogram Report

What it may describe

  • Calcifications
  • The location of the finding
  • Breast density
  • BI-RADS assessment
  • Recommendations for additional evaluation

Ultrasound or MRI Report

What it may describe

  • Additional areas of concern
  • The size or location of a finding
  • Whether further imaging or biopsy is recommended

Core-Biopsy Pathology

What it may describe

  • Whether DCIS was found
  • Nuclear grade
  • Cell characteristics
  • Necrosis
  • Estrogen and progesterone receptor findings, when tested

Surgical Pathology

What it may describe

  • The measured extent of DCIS
  • Whether the margins are clear
  • Whether more than one area was found
  • Whether any invasive component was identified

Biomarker or Genomic Reports

What they may describe

  • Hormone-receptor status
  • Specific biological characteristics
  • Additional information that may be considered during medical planning

The challenge is not always obtaining another test. Sometimes the challenge is understanding how the reports you already have fit together.

Words you may see

Common Terms Found in a DCIS Report

Understanding a term is not the same as determining what treatment is appropriate. Your complete results should be reviewed by your breast care team.

Questions to Take to Your Breast Care Team

  • What grade of DCIS was found?
  • How large or extensive does it appear to be?
  • Is it located in one area or more than one area?
  • Were estrogen and progesterone receptors tested?
  • Were the surgical margins clear?
  • Was any invasive breast cancer found?
  • Do I need additional imaging?
  • What medical options are appropriate for my particular findings?
  • What are the potential benefits and risks of each option?
  • Is active surveillance relevant to my specific situation?
  • Should I receive a second pathology review?
  • Are there foods, supplements or herbs that could interact with my treatment?
  • Which symptoms or changes should I report immediately?
  • Who should I contact if I have questions after this appointment?

When you have the reports but not the full picture

Get Help Organizing and Understanding Your DCIS Reports

If you have received several imaging, biopsy, pathology or oncology reports, Results Explained Oncology can help you understand the terminology and see how the documents connect.

Your educational session may include:

  • Organization of your reports in chronological order
  • Plain-language explanation of commonly used terminology
  • Identification of the purpose of each report
  • A summary of information that may require clarification
  • A personalized list of questions for your medical team
  • Education about nutrition and supplement concerns to discuss during care

This service does not diagnose breast disease, reinterpret pathology, provide a second medical opinion or tell you which treatment to choose. Treatment decisions remain between you and your licensed breast and oncology care team.

Help me understand my reports Visit Results Explained Oncology

A Clearer Way to Move Forward

  1. 01

    Gather Your Reports

    Collect imaging, biopsy, pathology, biomarker and visit-summary documents.

  2. 02

    Review the Terminology

    Learn what the major words and sections mean.

  3. 03

    Prepare Your Questions

    Identify the information you want your medical team to clarify.

  4. 04

    Make Decisions With Your Care Team

    Use the clearer information to participate in informed medical conversations.

Education Should Never Delay Medical Follow-Up

If you have received an abnormal mammogram, biopsy recommendation, DCIS diagnosis or concerning breast finding, follow the recommendations of your licensed medical professionals.

Seek prompt medical evaluation for:

  • A new or changing breast lump
  • Bloody nipple discharge
  • Skin dimpling or retraction
  • New nipple inversion
  • Redness, swelling or warmth that persists
  • A rapidly changing breast
  • Enlarged underarm lymph nodes
  • Any report recommending urgent follow-up

A My Lovely Breasts quiz or educational consultation does not replace imaging, biopsy, pathology review or medical care.

Frequently Asked Questions

More reading: our breast health library, or take the free breast health quiz.

Prepare for Your Next DCIS Appointment

Receive a printable list of questions to take to your breast surgeon or oncology appointment.