Course Description
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a relatively rare but aggressive form of breast cancer that is characterized by breast redness and swelling, skin thickening, and the lack of a well-defined palpable mass. Patients with IBC are more likely than those with other types of breast cancer to have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis, and the long-term prognosis for these patients is poor. The early recognition of IBC is often challenging and treatment guidelines have only recently described IBC as a distinct clinical entity with its own treatment algorithm. There are no specific molecular or genetic characteristics that distinguish IBC from other types of breast cancer, and the diagnosis depends on clinical and histological evaluation. Imaging is a critical part of the workup of suspected IBC. Mammography is usually the preferred imaging modality for examining patients with suspected IBC. Sonography is especially useful in fine needle guided biopsy and examining the lymph nodes. Although not recommended as a first-line approach for evaluation of suspected IBC, magnetic resonance imaging provides high spatial resolution, and the addition of intravenous contrast may permit visualization of changes that are not evident with mammography or ultrasonography. Positron-emission tomography/computed tomography is a newer technique that is increasingly being used to evaluate patients with IBC. It is especially useful for examining lymph nodes and distant metastasis. This article discusses the diagnosis and treatment of IBC, which depends on a multimodal approach that requires the close cooperation of medical professionals from several specialties, including medical and radiation oncology, surgery, radiology, and pathology. Various imaging techniques are described, along with the typical imaging findings and the strengths and limitations of each imaging method.

Learning Objectives
After reading this article, the participant should be able to:

• Describe the clinical presentation and diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer.

• Summarize strategies used to treat inflammatory breast cancer.

• Describe imaging techniques used in the evaluation of patients with IBC.

• Summarize typical imaging findings, as well as the strengths and limitations of the different imaging methods.

Categories: Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy/Dosimetry

CE Information
In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must obtain a score of 75% to receive the CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 1.0 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board for MDCB credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same or any subsequent biennium.