How DCIS is diagnosed

Most of the time, DCIS is found through a screening mammogram (an x-ray of the breast). The mammogram may show white specks or dots which are calcifications. These calcifications may be harmless (benign) or could be DCIS.

More rarely, DCIS may be seen as:

• A mass (lump) on the mammogram
• Paget’s disease of the nipple
• Bloody nipple discharge

A breast radiologist is a doctor who examines the mammogram. They might recommend a biopsy if the shape, size or pattern of the calcifications looks abnormal or if a mass is visible on the mammogram. The biopsy takes a small sample of the breast tissue that looks abnormal on the mammogram. The sample is sent to a pathologist, a type of doctor who studies the cells, to identify if they are normal, DCIS or breast cancer.

Most of the time, you will not be able to feel DCIS by your hand.