Carcinoma In Situ

Question 1

What are carcinomas in situ?

Answer 1

Malignancies contained within the basement membrane.

Pr-malignant condition that is rarely symptomatic.

Question 2

What are the two types of carcinoma in situ?

Answer 2

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) - most common

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)

Question 3

What are the sub-types of DCIS?

Answer 3

Comedo
Micropapillary
Solid types
Most are mixed

Question 4

How is DCIS picked up?

Answer 4

Screening - micro calcifications on mammography either localised or widespread - confirmed with biopsy.

Question 5

What is the management of DCIS?

Answer 5

Complete wide excision

Widespread or multi focal normally require complete mastectomy

Question 6

When is LCIS normally diagnosed?

Answer 6

Before menopause with less then 10% after menopause

Incidental finding during breast biopsy as it is asymptomatic

Question 7

What is the management of LCIS?

Answer 7

Low grade - monitoring rather the excision

Bilateral prophylactic mastectomy if BRAC1 or BRAC2 genes