inflammatory breast cancer radiopaedia

Release time ：Dec-21,2024

Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare yet highly invasive form of breast cancer, marked by redness, swelling, and thickening of the breast skin, which resembles the texture of an orange peel. The term 'inflammatory' is used because its clinical presentation mimics inflammatory conditions of the breast. However, unlike actual inflammation, inflammatory breast cancer is a malignant neoplasm that demands prompt diagnosis and intervention.

Symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer may encompass redness, swelling, increased warmth, and tenderness of the breast skin. These can progress rapidly and may involve more than half of the breast. Additionally, patients might exhibit enlarged axillary lymph nodes, nipple retraction, or discharge. Due to its distinctive clinical features, inflammatory breast cancer is often mistakenly diagnosed as mastitis or other benign conditions.

Timely diagnosis and treatment are imperative for inflammatory breast cancer. Should you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, seek immediate medical attention and undergo a thorough examination. Therapy typically includes a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. It is crucial to adhere to your physician's advice and complete all treatment protocols on schedule to enhance the chances of cure and overall survival quality.