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16-04-2024 | Breast Cancer | Review

Current Imaging Approaches in Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Authors: Miral M. Patel, Huong T. Le-Petross, Megha M. Kapoor, Janet A. Farag, Gary Whitman, Mary S. Guirguis

Published in: Current Breast Cancer Reports

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer with a rapid clinical onset and a poor prognosis. The nonspecific clinical criteria have resulted in a difficult and delayed diagnosis of this rare disease. Radiologists’ awareness of the appropriate imaging modalities and features of IBC can improve prompt diagnosis, accurate staging of this aggressive disease, and early detection of distant metastases.

Recent Findings

Diffuse erythema and severe breast edema involving over one-third of the breast may obscure an identifiable mass on mammography and ultrasound (US) in patients with suspected IBC. Due to utilization of contrast, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows exquisite details of breast lesions and is a superior diagnostic modality for IBC. Additionally, breast MRI and Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography computer tomography (FDG PET-CT) have become standard of care in the staging of IBC patients at the time of presentation.

Summary

Clinical presentation combined with mammography, US, and MRI have become standard of care in the diagnosis of IBC. The improved detection and diagnosis using a multimodality approach can contribute towards improved survival. Breast MRI is also beneficial to evaluate treatment response in patients after diagnosis. FDG PET-CT plays a significant role in establishing metastatic disease at the time of initial diagnosis.

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Title: Current Imaging Approaches in Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Authors: Miral M. Patel
Huong T. Le-Petross
Megha M. Kapoor
Janet A. Farag
Gary Whitman
Mary S. Guirguis
Publication date: 16-04-2024
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Mammography
Mammography
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Breast MRI
Metastasis
Edema
Published in: Current Breast Cancer Reports
Print ISSN: 1943-4588
Electronic ISSN: 1943-4596
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12609-024-00546-1

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