The Presence of a Palpable Mass Is an Independent Predictor of Microinvasion in Ductal Carcinoma in Situ of the Breast

Abstract

Purpose: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Ductal Carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is one of the most common types of these cancers. Factors associated with microinvasion still need to be investigated. Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed data from 70 female patients diagnosed with DCIS and managed at a tertiary center between 2011 and 2024. Demographic parameters, clinicopathological characteristics, and immunohistochemical findings of the patients were examined in comparison with their microinvasion status. Results: 70 female patients with Ductal Carcinoma in situ, with a median age of 51 years, were investigated. Among these patients, 17 cases (24.3%) had microinvasion. Compared with demographic parameters, only BMI was associated with microinvasion status. Patients with higher BMI had lower risk of microinvasion (p=0.038). The presence of a palpable mass was significantly higher in patients with microinvasion (p=0.001), suggesting a potential link between tumor palpability and invasion. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated associations between hormone receptor status, HER2 expression, and microinvasion. The presence of HER2 was significantly associated with microinvasion (p=0.026). Multivariate analysis however, revealed that tumor palpability was the only independent factor associated with microinvasion status (Odds Ratio: 5.233; 1.339-20.455; p=0.017). Conclusion: The presence of a palpable mass emerged as the only independent factor associated with microinvasion in DCIS. © 2025, Pamukkale University. All rights reserved.