Mammography of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: review of 909 cases with radiographic-pathologic correlations

We retrospectively analysed mammographies of 909 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) (1980-1999) and compared our results to those of literature. Microcalcifications were present in 75% of the cases, and soft-tissue abnormalities in 27% cases with association with calcifications in 14% of cases. Palpable masses were found in 12% of the cases and nipple discharge was present in 12% of the cases. The radiographic-pathologic correlation allowed to suspect the DCIS "aggressiveness" on radiologic signs. Granular, linear, branching and/or galactophoric topography of the microcalcifications were correlated with necrosis, grade 3, comedocarcinoma type. A number of microcalcifications higher than 20 was correlated with necrosis and grade 3. Mammographic size was correlated to histologic size. Masses were correlated with grade 1. A diagnosis strategy can be proposed with a multidisciplinar approach.