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What if my report on ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) mentions “margins” or “ink”?

April 26, 2017carcinoma DCIS ductal in-situ mentions report

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What if my report on ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) mentions “margins” or “ink”?

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When an excisional biopsy (lumpectomy) of DCIS is performed, the pathologist coats the outer aspect of the specimen with ink, sometimes different colored ink. If DCIS extends to the ink, it indicates that it may not have been completely removed (i.e.it is at the surgical “margin”). However, the surgeon may have removed additional tissue at the time of the excisional biopsy to guard against this possibility. If the DCIS has not been completely removed, additional treatment (surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy, or a combination of these) is typically used to get rid of the residual DCIS. Management of DCIS at a surgical margin is best discussed with your treating physician.