“Inflammatory” changes in breast: how to provide a better care to our patients

“Inflammatory” changes of the breast can be seen in many different entities ranging from benign self-limited processes, for example puerperal mastitis, to highly aggressive malignant tumors, such as inflammatory carcinoma. While clinically many of these “inflammatory” processes may look alike, there are some characteristics that allow an accurate differential diagnosis and accordingly a correct treatment. A worldwide effort is made everyday to promote breast health awareness, to facilitate prevention, early detection, and effective treatment. Nevertheless, breast cancer still remains as the number one female cancer and as the second cause of death for cancer in women. Physicians involved in the care of female patients are the first line of defense in the battle against cancer. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind a broad differential diagnosis in patients that seek medical attention complaining of a breast problem. Herein is a summary of the most common causes of inflammatory and inflammatory-like changes in breast with special emphasis on clinical presentation and differential diagnosis.