On a biopsy report
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
Also written as DCIS, Intraductal carcinoma, Stage 0 breast cancer
What it means
DCIS means abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct and have not spread outside the duct. In some cases it can become invasive breast cancer. At present there is no way to know which abnormal cells could become invasive.
Why it matters
Because the cells are still inside the duct, DCIS is treated as an early finding. Your oncologist weighs the options with you.
Ask your oncologist
"What are my choices for DCIS, and what does the grade on my report mean for me?"
From NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: ductal carcinoma in situ. Not medical advice: your oncologist decides.