Inflammatory breast disease: The radiologist's role.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Infectious Diseases
• Inflammation

Background:

• Mastitis is characterized by breast tissue inflammation, presenting with redness, heat, and pain.
• Etiologies of mastitis are diverse, including non-infectious inflammation, bacterial infections, and malignant tumor growth.
• Clinical presentation of mastitis can be misleading, necessitating careful differential diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize the critical importance of distinguishing cancer-related mastitis from other inflammatory breast conditions.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges and urgency in evaluating potential malignancy.
• To guide the diagnostic and treatment pathway for patients presenting with mastitis.

Main Methods:

• Clinical examination by breast specialists.
• Differential diagnostic approach to exclude malignancy.
• Etiological investigation of inflammatory causes.

Main Results:

• Cancer-related mastitis, though less common, requires prompt diagnosis or exclusion due to its association with aggressive cancer.
• Misleading clinical presentations underscore the need for a systematic diagnostic process.
• Successful management hinges on accurate etiological identification.

Conclusions:

• Distinguishing cancer-related mastitis from other causes is paramount for patient management.
• Prompt diagnosis and exclusion of malignancy are essential.
• Further etiological investigation facilitates targeted and effective treatment for mastitis.