Diagnosis of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ

Clinical Evaluation of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ

The initial steps in the clinical "work-up" of a patient with suspected ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) involve a careful history and physical examination. In the past, before the widespread use of screening mammography, most patients with DCIS presented to their doctor with a breast mass or lump that was large enough to be felt or palpated (palpable breast mass) or with nipple discharge. Since the 1980's, when screening mammography became more widely available, most women with DCIS have no clinical signs or symptoms of breast disease and only a small percentage present with a palpable breast mass or nipple discharge.