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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
In most cases, DCIS has no outward signs or symptoms. However, a small number of women with DCIS have symptoms that may include:
- A breast lump
- Nipple discharge
DCIS is usually found on a screening mammogram, in which a radiologist identifies microcalcifications — tiny groups of calcium deposits — that may indicate the presence of a breast abnormality. The microcalcifications appear on a mammogram as irregularly sized and shaped clusters of white spots.
When to see a doctor
Establish a schedule with your doctor for getting routine screening mammograms and clinical breast exams — and make sure you stick to it. Routine screening is the best way to detect the presence of DCIS. In addition, see your doctor if you discover changes in your breast, such as a breast lump, nipple discharge or any other unusual breast changes.
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- Costanza ME, et al. Epidemiology and risk factors for breast cancer. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 7, 2009.
- The basics of DCIS. Breastcancer.org. http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/dcis/basics.jsp. Accessed May 7, 2009.
- Can breast cancer be found early? American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_3X_Can_breast_cancer_be_found_early_5.asp?rnav=cri. Accessed May 7, 2009.
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- What are the risk factors for breast cancer? American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_2X_What_are_the_risk_factors_for_breast_cancer_5.asp?rnav=cri. Accessed May 7, 2009.
