Definition

A condition in which cells that look very different from normal cells under a microscope are found in the lining of a breast duct. There may also be areas of dead cells in the abnormal tissue. The abnormal cells have not spread outside the duct to other tissues in the breast. Grade III DCIS tends to grow more quickly than grade I or grade II DCIS and is more likely to come back or become invasive breast cancer and spread to other tissues. Also called grade III ductal carcinoma in situ, high-grade DCIS, and high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ.