A Case of a Bilateral Inflammatory Breast Cancer: A Case Report

Abstract

Cases of bilateral inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) are extremely rare. Our search criteria only found one other record of metachronous bilateral IBC (1). We present the case of a patient who was treated for IBC with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, modified radical mastectomy (MRM), and whole breast radiation. Less than 1 year later, the patient had a recurrence of IBC on the left chest wall with in the radiated field, as well as a new IBC on the contralateral side. Bilateral IBC is extremely rare. This entity can present challenges for the standard treatment of IBC with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, MRM, and whole breast radiation (2). Our case study shows the importance of scheduled routine imaging, screening with physical examination after IBC management, and good patient compliance in this aggressive disease (3).

Gonococcal epididymo-orchitis in an octogenarian

“…Exam findings may reveal high-riding testis and absence of cremasteric reflex. Ultrasound findings are conclusive in the absence of blood flow on color Doppler [4].…”

“…However, it is imperative to rule out urologic emergencies, such as testicular torsion, with ultrasonography. As opposed to gradual onset of pain seen in acute EO, testicular torsion typically presents with a sudden onset of severe pain with nausea and vomiting, in the absence of fevers and urinary symptoms [4]. Exam findings may reveal high-riding testis and absence of cremasteric reflex.…”

Bilateral Inflammatory Breast Cancer That Developed Two Years after Treatment for Triple-negative Breast Cancer

“…Two of these cases involved HER2-positive breast cancer, and one involved TNBC. One case of bilateral IBC with bilateral carcinomatous pleurisy ( 14 ) and two cases of metachronous IBC found within one year after the first operation for unilateral IBC have been reported ( 15 , 16 ). The factors involved in the pathogenesis and progression of bilateral IBC remain unclear.…”

“…We hypothesize that the tumor of the skin of the left breast might have spread to the skin of the right breast. Diagnosing bilateral breast cancer at an early stage is challenging, as it can be misdiagnosed as mastitis ( 16 ); however, the early diagnosis of bilateral IBC without distant metastases is important.…”

“…Compared to patients with unilateral breast cancer, those with bilateral breast cancer are younger and have smaller and earlier-stage tumors at the diagnosis. A few case reports of bilateral IBC have been published (14)(15)(16). Two of these cases involved HER2-positive breast cancer, and one involved TNBC.…”