The earliest type of breast cancer is called ductal carcinoma in situ, which is abbreviated DCIS. It is the most frequent kind of breast cancer when referring to cancer still confined to its place of origin.
Definition
Ductal cancer begins in a breast's milk duct. In situ means the cancer is noninvasive, or that it hasn't spread to other parts of the body.
Symptoms
Although physical signs are rare, when present they may include a lump in the breast and discharge from the nipple. The cancer is most often detected during a mammogram.
Causes
The precise cause of DCIS remains unclear. Researchers suspect diet (such as eating red meat), environmental triggers like radiation, exposure to hormones, genetics and lifestyle (for example, being overweight) may play a role in its development.
Treatment
Treating DCIS is frequently successful. Strategies may include breast or tumor removal (mastectomy and lumpectomy, respectively), radiation therapy and medication such as Nolvadex (generic name tamoxifen).
Risk Factors
Factors that increase the likelihood of developing DCIS include being older, getting pregnant for the first time after age 30, having a history of non-malignant breast conditions, having relatives with breast cancer and never conceiving.
Tags: breast cancer
