What is the significance of the reported size of the ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS)?
The pathologist typically will measure on an excision specimen the greatest dimension of the DCIS as seen under the microscope or by gross (naked eye) examination (if visible). Another way to measure DCIS is to note the number of microscopic slides that contain DCIS. On needle biopsy, DCIS is typically not measured because it may not be accurate, sampling only a portion of the tumor. A more accurate measurement will be done on the subsequent excision (lumpectomy or mastectomy). The more extensive the DCIS the greater the risk of the DCIS coming back (recurrence) and this may affect subsequent therapy.
