Inflammatory Carcinoma of the Breast

Definition

Carcinoma must involve dermal lymphatics
- Parenchymal peritumoral lymphatic involvement is not sufficient
- Dermal invasion without lymphatic involvement is not sufficient
Marked lymphocytic and plasmacytic reaction may be present
- Inflammation not required
- Perivascular lymphocytic aggregates should lead to careful examination for carcinoma emboli
Clinical evidence of cutaneous erythema and edema are typically present
- Not required for the diagnosis
Same poor prognosis applies to above changes associated with primary or recurrent breast carcinoma
- If associated with a recurrent breast carcinoma the term "Secondary Inflammatory Carcinoma" may be applied
The term "Inflammatory Carcinoma" is sometimes applied to dermal lymphatic involvement by metastatic carcinomas of other sites to any dermal location

Richard L Kempson MD
Robert V Rouse MD
Department of Pathology
Stanford University School of Medicine
Stanford CA 94305-5342

Original posting:: May 1, 2006