Clinging DCIS

Breast malignant, males, children
In situ carcinoma
Clinging DCIS

Author: Dina Kandil, M.D. (see Authors page)

Revised: 18 October 2016, last major update January 2012

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PubMed Search: Clinging DCIS

Table of Contents

Definition / general | Microscopic (histologic) description | Differential diagnosis

Cite this page: Clinging DCIS. PathologyOutlines.com website. http://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/breastmalignantclingingDCIS.html. Accessed July 14th, 2017.

Definition / general

Terminology is no longer widely used
Typically used to describe high-grade DCIS with comedonecrosis, in which the necrosis is so extensive that only 1 or 2 layers are present at the periphery
Although controversial, it is preferable not to use this term to describe columnar cell hyperplasia with atypia or flat epithelial lesion, to avoid overtreatment (Breast Cancer Res 2003;5:263)

Microscopic (histologic) description

1 - 2 layers of malignant cells lining a gland with a large empty lumen
Tumor cells are highly atypical and often associated with extensive comedo necrosis

Differential diagnosis

Flat epithelial atypia: dilated ducts lined by 1 or several layers of cuboidal or columnar cells with atypia resembling low grade DCIS; prominent apical cytoplasmic snouts are very common