intraductal carcinoma

intraductal carcinoma A condition characterized by the proliferation of malignant cells in the lining of a breast duct without evidence of spreading outside the duct to other tissues in the breast or outside the breast. Also known as ductal carcinoma in situ, abbreviated DCIS. DCIS is clearly a precursor (forerunner) of invasive breast cancer. DCIS originates in a single glandular structure but may spread within the breast through the ductal system. The goal in treating DCIS is to prevent local recurrence and, in particular, invasive breast cancer.