Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Correlation between Clinical and Radiologic Findings

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To describe, evaluate and compare radiologic and clinical findings in the diagnosis of inflammatory breast carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the clinical and radiologic findings of mammography, ultrasonography and computed tomography in 11 women aged 31-75 (mean 46) years with inflammatory breast carcinoma. In three women, follow-up radiologic studies were also assessed. RESULTS: The left breast (7 cases) was more commonly involved than the right (4 cases). A Palpable mass (9 cases) and palpable axillary lymphadenopathy (8 cases) were the most common clinical findings. In nine of ten women, mammography revealed trabecular thickening, skin thickening, and nipple retraction. Mass, axillary lymphadenopathy and diffuse increased density of the breast parenchyma were also frequently found. Sonography showed that skin thickening and axillary lymphadenopathy were present in three women; obliteration of the interface between subcutaneous fat and parenchyma, as well as lymphatic engorgement, were also observed. In one woman, mass, skin thickening, nipple retraction and axillary lymphadenopathy were seen on CT. For the assessment of skin thickening, radiologic findings were better than clinical findings. During follow-up, radiologic and clinical findings showed close correlation. CONCLUSION: In the diagnosis and assessment of inflammatory breast carcinoma, radiologic findings provide valuable information.