How DCIS is diagnosed

Mammograms can detect changes in the breast tissue before they develop into a lump large enough to be felt. DCIS usually shows up as an area of tiny specks of calcium that collect in the breast ducts, known as micro-calcifications.

UK National Breast Screening Programme Back to top

The NHS screening programmes aim to find breast cancer very early so women have the best chance of the cancer being cured. In the UK, women aged 50–70 are invited to attend for breast screening every three years as part of the NHS Breast Screening Programme. In England, the age range is gradually being extended to include women aged 47–73. At the moment Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will continue to screen women aged 50–70.

Occasionally women go to their GP with breast symptoms| and are diagnosed after being referred to a breast clinic.

 

Tests for DCIS Back to top

Mammogram

A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray of the breast. You’ll need to take off your top and bra for the mammogram. The radiographer will position you so that your breast is against the x-ray machine and is gently but firmly compressed with a flat, clear, plastic plate. You’ll have two mammograms (from different angles) taken of each breast.

The breast tissue needs to be squashed to keep the breast still and to get a clear picture. Most women find this uncomfortable, and for some women it’s painful for a short time.

Mammograms are usually only used for women over the age of 35. In younger women the breast tissue is more dense (has less fat), which makes it difficult to detect any changes on the mammogram.

Breast calcifications

Breast calcifications| are small areas where calcium has built up in the breast. They can’t be felt and can only be detected on a mammogram. Calcifications are very common, and in most cases are harmless. There are two types: micro-calcifications and macro-calcifications.

Micro-calcifications show up as fine white specks on a mammogram. They’re common as women get older and aren’t usually due to cancer. But in a small number of cases, a group of micro calcifications seen in one area (a cluster) may be a sign of DCIS or early breast cancer.

Macro-calcifications are seen as larger white dots or dashes on a mammogram. They’re a natural result of breast ageing and are common in women over 50. Macro-calcifications are harmless and don’t need any treatment or monitoring.

A radiologist  will look at the size, shape and pattern of any calcifications. If micro-calcifications are found, you’ll usually have a magnified mammogram to examine the area of calcification more closely.