What is the usual prognosis and treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ?

Excellent: The prognosis for people with dcis is excellent, with cure rates approaching 100%. Treatment varies by the type and extent of dcis: sometimes a lumpectomy alone is sufficient, often supplemented by radiation therapy. Occasionally, it may be best to have a mastectomy if the dcis is present throughout the breast. After treatment, tamoxifen is offered to prevent a second cancer from developing.

Excellent Prognosis: Dcis is usually treated with a combination of surgery followed by radiation therapy. The local control rates approach 100% this way. Cosmetic outcome is usually good to excellent and treatment itself is generally well tolerated.