presentation and diagnosis
Last reviewed 03/2022
Most cases are detected by mammography whilst asymptomatic. Previously, diagnosis was made at a late stage when the lesion was palpable e.g. a firm mass or 'ropy' cords, or had caused other symptoms, as in Paget's disease. Usually, only one breast is affected.
The introduction of breast screening has seen a 3-4 fold increase in the diagnosis of DCIS. Accurate differentiation from invasive carcinoma is best made by open biopsy.