Ductal carcinoma in situ

Discussion:

This case shows all the hallmarks you would want to see in DCIS. In general, the wilder and crazier the microcalcifications, the higher the grade of DCIS.

Note superiorly how far the calcifications extend to the top of the image with "normal" breast in between. Mammography underestimates the extent of the disease; the degree and distribution of the calcifications are less than the disease extends into the breast. Just surgically removing the calcifications does not guarantee the disease has been completely removed. Hence the role of radiation in the therapy of DCIS.

In practice, ultrasound is useful. You can actually see these calcifications on ultrasound and biopsy them under ultrasound guidance. 

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