Hidradenitis Suppurativa-Induced Breast Abscess and Congenital Nipple Inversion Mimicking Inflammatory Breast Cancer with Review of the Literature

Abstract

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive, but rare, malignancy that may present cutaneously, so dermatologists may be some of the first providers to observe the initial clinical signs. A number of benign conditions may mimic the cutaneous and radiographic features of IBC. We present a case of a patient with hidradenitis suppurativa of the breast complicated by abscess formation with cutaneous findings mimicking IBC, including abrupt erythema, edema, nipple retraction, and peau d’orange changes. This case highlights dermatologic findings that should prompt an urgent evaluation for IBC, features that differentiate clinical mimickers from IBC, and potential pitfalls in diagnosing IBC if an improper or incomplete workup is pursued. We also present a review of the literature regarding mimickers of IBC.