Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is not breast cancer as we commonly understand it, because it has not spread outside the milk ducts into other parts of the breast, or to other parts of the body.Without treatment, DCIS may develop into invasive breast cancer, which can spread outside the ducts and possibly to other parts of the body.

The pathology report

After a biopsy or breast surgery, the cells or tissue are sent to a pathologist. The pathologist looks at the cells or tissue under a microscope and writes the results in a pathology report. This will usually take a couple of days. Information in the pathology report helps with treatment planning.

Information in the pathology report is used to determine the stage of breast cancer. The stage used to describe DCIS is Stage 0.

Some women find it helpful to keep a copy of their pathology report so that they can refer to it later.

Find out more about:

• What does the DCIS pathology report mean?