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Home > Health > What is the Difference Between DCIS and Invasive Ductal Carcinoma?

Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between DCIS and Invasive Ductal Carcinoma?

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The main difference between ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) lies in the extent of the cancer's spread within the breast.

  • DCIS is a pre-cancerous condition where cancer cells are present in the milk ducts but have not invaded the surrounding breast tissue. It is considered a non-invasive lesion and is considered the obligate precursor of invasive ductal carcinoma. Approximately 14%-53% of untreated DCIS cases will naturally progress to IDC.
  • IDC is a type of breast cancer that starts in the cells lining the milk ducts and has invaded the surrounding breast tissue. IDC accounts for about 80% of all invasive breast cancers in women and is the most common type of breast cancer, making up nearly 70-80% of all breast cancer diagnoses.

Some other differences between DCIS and IDC include:

  • Symptoms: DCIS usually has no symptoms and is often diagnosed through mammograms, while IDC may present with symptoms such as a lump, changes in breast shape, or skin changes.
  • Diagnosis: About 80% of DCIS cases are found through mammograms, which appear as shadowy areas. IDC is also often detected through mammograms, but it may also be found during routine physical exams or when symptoms are present.
  • Treatment: The treatment for DCIS and IDC is different, as DCIS is a pre-cancerous condition, while IDC is an invasive cancer. Treatment options for IDC depend on the size and location of the tumor, the patient's healing capacity, and personal preferences.
  • Prognosis: DCIS is considered a pre-cancerous condition and has a better prognosis compared to IDC, which is an invasive cancer with the potential to spread to other parts of the body.
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  • What is the Difference Between DCIS and Invasive Ductal Carcinoma?
  • Comparative Table: DCIS vs Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

    • Comparative Table: DCIS vs Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

    Here is a table comparing the differences between Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) and Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC):

    Feature DCIS IDC
    Definition DCIS is a non-invasive mammary carcinoma that has not yet broken through the ductal basement membrane. IDC is an invasive breast cancer that has broken through the ductal basement membrane and can spread to other parts of the body.
    Prevalence DCIS accounts for approximately 20% of mammographically detected breast cancers. IDC is a more advanced form of breast cancer and accounts for a significant portion of breast cancer cases.
    Progression Approximately 14%-53% of untreated DCIS cases will naturally progress to IDC. IDC is an invasive form of breast cancer and has a higher potential for spreading to other parts of the body.
    Tumor Size The average diameter of DCIS is 2.1±1.7 cm. The average diameter of IDC is 2.5±1.5 cm.
    Comedonecrosis The proportion of comedonecrosis is 10.8% in DCIS. The proportion of comedonecrosis is 3.7% in IDC.
    Molecular Differences DCIS is genetically advanced, showing a similar degree and position of chromosomal alterations as invasive ductal cancer. IDC has more advanced molecular changes and is considered a more aggressive form of breast cancer.

    It is important to note that some studies have found no significant difference in copy number changes between DCIS and IDC, suggesting that further research is needed to better understand the molecular differences between these two types of breast cancer.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.