Ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: mammographic-pathologic correlation.

Abstract

D uctal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) (intraductal carcinoma or noninvasive ductal carcinoma) is a malignant proliferation of ductal epithelium confined by the basement membrane of the involved breast duct(s). Noninvasive breast carcinoma has become increasingly important because of both a dramatic rise in incidence and the controversy surrounding its clinical significance and optimal treatment. In an effort to better identify subtypes of DCIS with distinct biologic behavior, expert pathologists have proposed several classifications of DCIS [ 1]. Most ofthese classification schemes define three histologic grades: high. intermediate, and low. In this paper. we provide background of the epidemiology. histopathology, mammography. natural history, and current management of breast DCIS. We correlate representative mammographic presentations of DCIS with the histologic features of high(Figs. 1-3). intermediate(Figs. 4-6). and low-grade (Figs. 7-9) DCIS.