Primary Inflammatory Carcinoma of the Breast

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Abstract
OBJECTIVE. Our goal was to describe the mammographic characteristics of primary inflammatory carcinoma of the breast.MATERIALS AND METHODS. We identified the medical records of 43 women who participated in a chemotherapy protocol for primary inflammatory carcinoma of the breast between 1994 and 1997. Mammograms were available for review in 26 women (age range, 34-78 years; mean age, 56 years). Two radiologists independently reviewed the 26 mammograms obtained before patients underwent treatment. A third observer was the final arbiter when needed.RESULTS. Mammographic findings included skin thickening in 24 patients (92%), diffusely increased density in 21 patients (81%), trabecular thickening in 16 patients (62%), axillary lymphadenopathy in 15 patients (58%), architectural distortion or focal asymmetric density in 13 patients (50%), and nipple retraction in 10 patients (38%). Malignant-appearing calcifications were seen in six patients (23%), and a mass was seen in four patients (15%).CONCLUSION. Diffuse...