Ductal breast cancer, medically termed ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), is generally considered a "pre-cancerous" condition. In reference to location, "in situ" means that the cancer cells are only located in the breast duct and not the surrounding breast tissue. The following signs and procedures may lead to a DCIS diagnosis.
Nipple Discharge
Spontaneous discharge of one or both nipples may occur in ductal breast cancer, and may be an unusual color or bloody.
Breast Lump
A palpable lump may be felt in one or both breasts, however, it should be noted that a lump or mass need not be present for ductal breast cancer to be diagnosed.
Preventative Mammography
General mammography screening can identify ductal breast cancer in patients with no symptoms. This asymptomatic diagnostic discovery results in the "catching" of a cancerous conditions in it's preliminary stage.
Significance
Ductal breast cancer, though not usually life-threatening, shouldn't be ignored as it can become invasive and aggressive if untreated.
Considerations
Ductal breast cancer confined to the breast duct is considered stage 0 cancer. As cancer cells increase, they will weaken and eventually breech the ductal wall causing the cancer cells to spread to other areas of the breast, which typically results in increased breast symptoms. All unusual nipple and breast changes should be evaluated by a health care practitioner.
Tags: breast cancer, cancer cells, breast duct, ductal breast, Ductal breast cancer, ductal breast cancer