Management of ductal carcinoma in situ

The dramatic increase in the incidence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) o f the breast has made it imperative for all clinicians to develop a better understanding of this disease. Although this preinvasive form of breast can cer is not life-threatening, treatment options may include mastectomy, brea st-conserving surgery, radiotherapy, or tamoxifen. Current treatment modali ties may be overly aggressive because many cases of DCIS may not recur or p rogress to invasive cancer. Until we are better able to identify those pati ents at low risk for progression, it is unlikely that current treatment wil l change. The adequate understanding of risk assessment is fundamental to t he treatment planning for DCIS, and physicians are encouraged to include pa tients in the decision-making process.