Carcinoma in situ

Carcinoma in situ (CIS) is an early form of carcinoma defined by the absence of invasion of surrounding tissues. In other words, the neoplastic cells proliferate in their normal habitat, hence the name "in situ" (Latin for "in its place"). For example, carcinoma in situ of the skin, also called Bowen's disease, is the accumulation of neoplastic epidermal cells within the epidermis only.

• Symptoms: There are no signs or symptoms ordinarily associated with LCIS such as lumps or even abnormalities on a mammogram.

• Causes

• Early menarche

• Late menopause

• Hormone replacement therapy

• Age at birth of first child- if aged more than 30 years, relative risk is 2 times higher

• Family history

• Genetic predisposition

• Treatments

Carcinoma in situ is, by definition, localized, with no potential for metastasis unless it progresses into a true cancer. Therefore, its removal eliminates the risk of cancer. It can be compared to uprooting a tree, easy when a young sapling, more difficult later.