[Breast ductal carcinoma in situ. The clinical image in the mammogram]

Thirty-one consecutive cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) were retrospectively analysed to determine the spectrum of mammographic appearances. 68 per cent of the lesions appeared as microcalcifications, 52% as structural or irregular, poorly defined soft-tissue abnormalities, respectively. A mass lesion was noted in 23% of cases. 4 patients presenting with DCIS had negative mammograms and were diagnosed by means of additional examination techniques such as galactography, sonography, and cytologic evaluation in case of bloody nipple discharge. The authors conclude that there is a wide spectrum of mammographic imaging of DCIS.