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Inflammatory Breast Cancer — SCE Medical Oncology MCQ

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EasyBreast CancerInflammatory Breast CancerSCE Medical Oncology

A 60-year-old woman presents with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). Her oncologist explains that IBC is always classified as at least stage IIIB regardless of tumour size. What is the characteristic clinical presentation of IBC?

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Correct answer: E — Erythema, oedema (peau d'orange), warmth and rapid onset, often without a discrete mass

Inflammatory breast cancer (T4d) is characterised by rapid-onset diffuse erythema and oedema (peau d'orange) of ≥1/3 of the breast skin, caused by tumour emboli in dermal lymphatics. A discrete mass may be absent. It accounts for 1-5% of breast cancers and has an aggressive course. Diagnosis requires skin punch biopsy showing dermal lymphatic invasion. Management is trimodal: neoadjuvant chemotherapy → modified radical mastectomy → post-mastectomy radiotherapy. BCS is contraindicated.

Reference: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/conditions-and-diseases/cancer