Affected ducts have characteristic necrotic tissue which is composed of multiple, well-defined firm masses of dead cells.
In most cases of comedocarcinomas (approximately 78%),[6] mammograms will reveal micro-calcifications in the breast tissue due to the calcification of necrotic elements.
Once excised, sustained pressure to the tumor will cause inspissated material—that is cheese-like in appearance (resembling comedones in acne) and similar in consistency to toothpaste—to ooze from the ducts.
[7] Comedocarcinomas are known as the most aggressive form of intraductal carcinomas, although they are considered to be an early stage of breast cancer and are classified as noninvasive.
The prognosis for comedocarcinoma is usually favorable with treatment intervention (i.e. surgery, radiotherapy, or hormone therapy); leading to a lower risk of invasive carcinoma development.
If the results of the examination show the appearance of highly proliferative, abnormal cells that are confined within their place of origin, this is indicative of cancer and an in-situ carcinoma diagnosis is made.
[8][9] To then classify the DCIS as a comedo-type (comedocarcinoma), the cancer cells need to show evidence of comedonecrosis and poor differentiation.