Name of the Condition

• Intraductal carcinoma in situ of right breast (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ, DCIS)

Summary

• Intraductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive form of breast cancer wherein abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct. It is considered the earliest form of breast cancer and is localized within the ducts of the breast tissue.

Causes

• The exact cause of DCIS is not known. However, it involves genetic mutations in the DNA of breast duct cells, which lead to their uncontrolled growth.

Risk Factors

• Age (most common in women over 50)
• Family history of breast cancer
• Personal history of breast conditions
• Genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1 and BRCA2)
• Hormonal factors such as hormone replacement therapy
• Lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and alcohol use.

Symptoms

• DCIS often does not produce noticeable symptoms.
• It might be detected as a breast lump or through mammography, revealing microcalcifications.

Diagnosis

• Mammogram to detect abnormalities in breast tissue.
• Biopsy to examine tissue samples under a microscope.
• MRI for a more detailed imaging study in certain cases.

Treatment Options

• Surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy) to remove the affected tissue.
• Radiation therapy often follows surgery to destroy remaining abnormal cells.
• Hormone therapy might be used, particularly if the abnormal cells have hormone receptors.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The prognosis for DCIS is generally excellent given its non-invasive nature and high treatability.
• Regular follow-up mammograms and check-ups are crucial to monitor for recurrence.

Complications

• Recurrence in the same breast or development of invasive breast cancer if not adequately treated.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Maintain a healthy weight and balanced diet.
• Regular physical activity.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Discuss screening options and frequency with healthcare providers.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Any noticeable changes in the breast such as lumps or persistent mammographic abnormalities should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Additional Resources

• American Cancer Society: cancer.org
• National Breast Cancer Foundation: nationalbreastcancer.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accuracy by verifying the laterality of the breast involved (right breast in this case).
• Be attentive to details in the medical documentation to distinguish between DCIS and other types of breast malignancies.
• Avoid confusing DCIS with invasive carcinoma—both are coded differently.