Pathobiological considerations relating to the treatment of intraductal carcinoma (ductal carcinoma in situ) of the breast.

Management of ductal carcinoma in situ has become one of the most controversial topics in breast disease. While mastectomy has been the traditional treatment, many now feel it is excessive in most cases. As a result, a great effort has been made to identify pathobiological characteristics of DCIS that can be used to stratify appropriate treatment decisions. This article reviews efforts to relate pathobiological characteristics to disease management and provides treatment recommendations based on the latest evidence.