What is the diagnosis and recommended treatment for a patient with a palpable mass in the right breast, identified as a macrolobulated mass with increased vascularity, classified as BI-RADS (Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System) 4, suspicious for invasive ductal carcinoma?

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Last updated: April 15, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Right Breast Lump

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Invasive ductal carcinoma: This is the most likely diagnosis given the biopsy results from 4/15/25, which confirmed invasive ductal carcinoma. The ultrasound findings of a macrolobulated mass with marked increased vascularity and the BI-RADS 4 suspicious classification also support this diagnosis.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Fibroadenoma: Although less likely given the biopsy results, fibroadenomas can present as macrolobulated masses and are common in women. However, the increased vascularity and BI-RADS 4 classification make this less likely.
    • Phyllodes tumor: These tumors can also present as macrolobulated masses and can have increased vascularity. However, they are less common than invasive ductal carcinoma and fibroadenoma.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Inflammatory breast cancer: Although the skin surfaces are reported as within normal limits, inflammatory breast cancer can present with subtle skin changes and is a deadly diagnosis if missed. The increased vascularity and rapid growth of the mass could be indicative of this aggressive cancer.
    • Metastasis to the breast: Although rare, metastasis to the breast from other primary cancers can occur and would be a critical diagnosis to miss.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH): A rare benign tumor that can present as a macrolobulated mass, but is less likely given the biopsy results and clinical presentation.
    • Hamartoma: A rare benign tumor that can present as a macrolobulated mass, but is less likely given the biopsy results and clinical presentation.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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