When ADH turns into DCIS

What is the defining line between ADH and DCIS..I know they are not always a progression, but I assume that USUALLY they are. It seems to me, it is about quantity of cells. I have also heard that to qualify for DCIS, that 2 ducts need to be involved...so the same cell conditions but in one duct only, get classed as ADH. Is this right?

tx very much for any insight


This discussion is related to ADH vs DCIS.

[PaulMD]

There is a difference in the term atypical hyperplasia and carcinoma which are the distinctions between ADH and DCIS.  Carcinoma is a frankly abnormal group of cells (in fact, already cancer cells) that is a pre-malignant condition, and there fore may develop into an invasive cancer in the future.

ADH just means that there are cells proliferating with some hint of abnormality.  I agree that this can be a continuum, but DCIS would require a more aggressive treatment (surgery with or without radiation), while ADH would usually require close observation.

Regards and God bless.

[schultzi]

Thank you. This forum is excellent and I appreciate your activity on it. I realize how lucky I am to have ADH and not something more serious. I'm just working my way thru the "panick" and education

[Miriam876]

Hi Schultzi, You should still check on ADH AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR.  That's what I had in 2003 and they turned into IDC this year.  Miriam