Quantifying mammary duct carcinoma in situ: a wild-goose chase?

TitleQuantifying mammary duct carcinoma in situ: a wild-goose chase?
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2000
AuthorsSaqi A, Osborne MP, Rosenblatt R, Shin SJ, Hoda SA
JournalAm J Clin Pathol
Volume113
Issue5 Suppl 1
PaginationS30-7
Date Published2000 May
ISSN0002-9173
KeywordsBreast Neoplasms, Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating, Carcinoma, Lobular, Female, Humans, Palpation, Prognosis, Radiography
Abstract

Duct carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a malignant neoplasm of the breast that is limited to the glandular component. The introduction of mammographic screening allows for earlier detection of carcinoma, at the stage of DCIS, before it invades the surrounding stroma. Although DCIS has been studied extensively, its quantification remains a dilemma. Several methods for measuring DCIS exist, including clinical measurement, radiographic assessment, and gross pathologic assessment. Other methods have been employedfor this purpose, such as counting the number of tissue sections involved, direct measuring of DCIS from glass slides, and even counting the number of ducts involved. Furthermore, there is no consensus for assessing adequacy of margins. The myriad of techniques for quantifying DCIS has profound implications for treatment and for prognostic evaluation. The inherent difficulties in quantifying DCIS are multifactorial, and the need to establish a standardized approach for reporting the extent of DCIS by correlating radiographic, clinical, gross, and histologic findings is imperative.

DOI10.1309/XXR6-8NUX-9KJ3-J1LA
Alternate JournalAm J Clin Pathol
PubMed ID11993708
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