Inflammatory carcinoma

Question 1

What is inflammatory carcinoma?

Answer 1

A type of breast cancer that can appear as a red/inflamed breast, resembling an infection.

It is characterized by specific symptoms and changes in breast appearance.

Question 2

List the classic signs of inflammatory carcinoma.

Answer 2

• Rubor (redness)
• Dolor (pain)
• Tumor (swelling)
• Calor (heat)

These signs reflect the inflammatory nature of the condition.

Question 3

What is peau d’orange?

Answer 3

An orange peel-appearing texture of the breast due to tethering of the skin by Cooper’s ligaments.

This appearance occurs in the setting of blockage of lymphatic drainage by tumor cells.

Question 4

What causes the peau d’orange appearance in inflammatory carcinoma?

Answer 4

Blockage of lymphatic drainage by tumor cells leading to tethering of the skin by Cooper’s ligaments.

This condition is a hallmark of inflammatory breast cancer.