Current Imaging Approaches in Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Purpose of ReviewInflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer with a rapid clinical onset and a poor prognosis. The nonspecific clinical criteria have resulted in a difficult and delayed diagnosis of this rare disease. Radiologists' awareness of the appropriate imaging modalities and features of IBC can improve prompt diagnosis, accurate staging of this aggressive disease, and early detection of distant metastases.Recent FindingsDiffuse erythema and severe breast edema involving over one-third of the breast may obscure an identifiable mass on mammography and ultrasound (US) in patients with suspected IBC. Due to utilization of contrast, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows exquisite details of breast lesions and is a superior diagnostic modality for IBC. Additionally, breast MRI and Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography computer tomography (FDG PET-CT) have become standard of care in the staging of IBC patients at the time of presentation.SummaryClinical presentation combined with mammography, US, and MRI have become standard of care in the diagnosis of IBC. The improved detection and diagnosis using a multimodality approach can contribute towards improved survival. Breast MRI is also beneficial to evaluate treatment response in patients after diagnosis. FDG PET-CT plays a significant role in establishing metastatic disease at the time of initial diagnosis.