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MRI findings of inflammatory breast cancer, locally advanced breast cancer, and acute mastitis: T2-weighted images can increase the specificity of inflammatory breast cancer

Abstract

Inflammatory breast carcinoma (IBC) is rare; however, it is the most aggressive variant of breast cancer with a very poor outcome. Locally advanced breast cancer and acute mastitis have a presentation similar to that of IBC. Therefore, the diagnosis of IBC remains a challenge in breast imaging. MRI can play a crucial role in the differential diagnosis by providing criteria indicative of IBC. Several MRI findings, especially T2-weighted images, are promising for more reliable and accurate interpretation of IBC.

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Correspondence to Takayoshi Uematsu.

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Uematsu, T. MRI findings of inflammatory breast cancer, locally advanced breast cancer, and acute mastitis: T2-weighted images can increase the specificity of inflammatory breast cancer. Breast Cancer 19, 289–294 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12282-012-0346-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12282-012-0346-1

Keywords

  • Inflammatory breast carcinoma
  • Locally advanced breast cancer
  • Acute mastitis
  • MRI
  • T2-weighted image