Learning objectives
To determine radiologic characteristics of inflammatory breast carcinoma and to report clinical and pathologic findings.
To ascertain Magnetic resonance imaging importance in the therapeutic approach in women with this type of breast cancer.
Background
Inflammatory carcinoma (IC) of the breast is a relatively uncommon but aggressive form of invasive breast carcinoma with no characteristic clinical presentation or unique radiographic appearances.
Pathologically,
any subtype of primary breast carcinoma may be present,
but dermal lymphatic vessels must be involved.
Clinically,
inflammatory breast cancer mimics mastitis.
The breast is enlarged (often of relatively short onset),
indurated,
erythematous,
warm,
tender and painful.
The skin is thickened and edematous,
with a "peau d’orange" appearance.
There may or may not be an underlying palpable mass....
Imaging findings OR Procedure details
Imaging Findings or Procedure Details
Analysis included history; findings at physical examination,
mammography,
ultrasonography,
MRI and histologic type of inflammatory carcinoma.
Mammography Findings
Mammography in two standard planes of imaging (craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique) was performed,
sometimes with additional views.
The most common mammographic findings are diffuse or focal skin thickening (skin of the involved breast is thicker than that of the contralateral breast),
trabecular prominence and diffusely increased breast density compatible with edema.
Other findings can be presente,
such as nipple retraction,
presence of...
Conclusion
Unlike another types of breast cancer in which surgery is the first modality of treatment,
chemotherapy before surgery or radiation therapy is the current standard treatment of Inflammatory carcinoma.
The presence of isolated inflammatory signs is sufficient to suspect inflammatory breast carcinoma clinically.
Radiologically,
this carcinoma has a mammographic pattern of inflammatory changes,
such as skin thickening and stromal coarsening and/or diffusely increased breast density.
Associated mass and/or malignant-type microcalcifications are usually evident but may be absent.
The assessment of the mass may not be...
References
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Radiology : Volume 244: Number 3—September 2007