Ductal Carcinoma in Situ Symptoms

Like many other early-stage cancers, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) does not always cause symptoms. The majority of diagnoses –between 75 and 80 percent – are made during routine screening tests, which are designed to identify cancerous changes before warning signs develop.

When ductal carcinoma in situ does produce symptoms, the most common include:

• Breast pain
• Bloody discharge from the nipple
• A palpable lump in the breast tissue
• A red, scaly rash known as Paget’s disease of the breast

Outcomes are typically best when DCIS is diagnosed before it becomes a more invasive form of breast cancer. As a result, it is especially important for patients to report any unusual symptoms – including those noted above – to a physician or oncologist. And, even though ductal carcinoma in situ typically cannot be felt, regular self-exams are still important so that any unusual changes in breast tissue can be promptly noted and discussed with a medical professional.

At Moffitt Cancer Center, our expert oncologists can assess a patient’s family history, medical history and physical symptoms to determine the most likely underlying cause. Should diagnostic testing be required, we offer a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art imaging technologies and lab tests in a single, convenient location. Each patient’s test results are interpreted by a team of pathologists, radiologists and other medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis of breast cancer, and treatment – if necessary – is provided by a similarly specialized team of oncologists.

If you’d like to discuss ductal carcinoma in situ symptoms with one of our expert oncologists, you are welcome to do so with or without a referral. To request an appointment, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online.