Non-Invasive Breast Cancers

Cancer cells are found in the lobules or ducts. They have not moved to the lymph nodes or spread beyond the breast tissue.

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)

In ductal carcinoma in situ, the cancerous cells are in the milk ducts. Most patients do not have symptoms. DCIS is often found during screening mammograms. Symptoms may include:

A lump in your breast
Nipple discharge
Changes in your breast size or color
Breast skin dimpling, puckering, or thickening.

All women with DCIS are referred for treatment. Treatment may include surgery, radiation, and/or endocrine (hormonal) therapy. After you have DCIS, your risk for invasive breast cancer is 2.1-4 times greater.³

DCIS. Image Credit: TTSZ / iStock / Getty Images

Paget's Disease of the Breast

Paget's disease is a rare form of breast cancer. It involves the skin of your nipple and areola (dark skin around your nipple).

Symptoms include:

Itching, tingling, redness, or change in shape of your nipple and/or areola
Flaking, crusty, or thickened skin on or around your nipple
Discharge (sometimes yellow or bloody) from your nipple

Paget's disease represents about 1-4 percent of breast cancer. It may be seen in women and men.⁶

Symptoms of Paget's Disease of the Breast include changes in your breast skin and/or nipple. Image credit: Inverted-nipple-02, by Karin4758, is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Keeping You Informed

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is also referred to as lobular neoplasia. LCIS is not cancer. It is a risk factor (or marker) for invasive breast cancer. Women with LCIS have a higher risk for invasive breast cancer later in life. This risk is not limited to the breast where the LCIS was found; it can occur in either breast. Frequent monitoring and plans to reduce your risk are typically recommended for women with LCIS. Your doctor will discuss what treatment is best for you.