What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Inflammatory Fibrosarcoma of Breast
• Inflammatory Pseudotumor of Breast
• Plasma Cell Granuloma of Breast

What is Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Breast? (Definition/Background Information)

• Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Breast is a very rare and mostly benign tumor affecting the breast. They generally affect younger populations, especially females
• Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is generally considered as a benign tumor with aggressive behavior (low-grade tumor), which can occur anywhere in the body
• The cause of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Breast is generally unknown, though it may be linked to genetic factors. There are also no well-established risk factors for this tumor type
• The signs and symptoms may include the presence of a lump in the breast, fluid in the breast, and breast pain. Complications, such as tumor recurrence on its incomplete removal, is known to occur
• The mainstay of treatment is a surgical excision that can be curative. The prognosis of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Breast is generally good on tumor removal, but some tumors are known to recur and even metastasize (in very rare cases)

Who gets Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Breast? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Breast is typically seen in young adults and children
• Very few cases of IMT of Breast have been recorded in the medical literature
• Both males and females are affected, but the condition is more common in females
• All races and ethnic groups are at risk for the condition

Note: Most inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors are found in the lung, which is the most common site of the tumor. In such cases, these tumors are frequently diagnosed in middle-aged adults. However, in contrast, the average age of presentation for extrapulmonary IMT (IMT outside the lung) is around 10 years.

What are the Risk Factors for Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Breast? (Predisposing Factors)

• Presently, the specific risk factors for Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Breast are unknown or unidentified

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Breast? (Etiology)

The cause of development of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Breast is generally unknown.

• Some research scientists believe that the cause of the condition is mostly due to genetic mutations, which results in tumor formation. In over 40% of the tumors, ALK gene mutation has been observed
• Some believe that the inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is the result of an inflammatory reactive process and that it is not a true tumor
• It is also believed by some researchers that the tumor may arise due to viral infections caused by human herpes virus 8 (HHV8) or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)

What are the Sign and Symptoms of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Breast?

The signs and symptoms depend on the size of the tumor. Specific signs and symptoms of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Breast are generally not observed. The presentations may be based upon the site of tumor in the breast and may include:

• Small tumors usually do not cause any symptoms
• Breast pain
• Fever
• Fluid in the breast
• A lump in the breast; the armpit region is typically not involved
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast; change in the size or shape of the breast
• Weight loss
• Anemia
• General feeling of illness

The tumor is mostly firm and well-defined. The size of the tumor may be around 1 cm in size.

How is Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Breast Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Breast may be undertaken using the following tests and exams:

• Complete evaluation of family (medical) history, along with a thorough physical examination
• Breast exam: The physician will check for any lumps or unusual signs, in the breasts
• Mammogram: A mammogram uses X-rays to provide images of the breast. Screening mammograms are commonly used to detect possible signs of breast tumor in women with no apparent symptoms
• Diagnostic mammograms: These give more detailed images of areas in the breast after abnormalities have been detected using a screening mammogram
• Breast ultrasound: This technique uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the breast. An ultrasound can help identify whether a lump is a fluid-filled cyst (non-cancerous) or a solid mass (which may be cancerous or benign)
• Plain X-ray of the chest
• CT or CAT scan with contrast of the chest usually shows a well-defined mass. This radiological procedure creates detailed 3-dimensional images of structures inside the body
• MRI scans of the breast and lungs: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field to create high-quality pictures of certain parts of the body, such as tissues, muscles, nerves, and bones. These high-quality pictures may reveal the presence of the tumor

Although the above modalities can be used to make an initial diagnosis, a tissue biopsy of the tumor is necessary to make a definitive diagnosis to begin treatment. The tissue for diagnosis can be procured in multiple different ways which include: 

• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of the tumor: A FNA biopsy may not be helpful, because one may not be able to visualize the different morphological areas of the tumor. Hence, a FNA biopsy as a diagnostic tool has certain limitations, and an open surgical biopsy is preferred
• Breast core biopsy of the tumor
• Breast open biopsy of the tumor

Tissue biopsy of the tumor:

• A tissue biopsy of the nodule is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be gold standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis
• Biopsy specimens are studied initially using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The pathologist then decides on additional studies depending on the clinical situation
• Sometimes, the pathologist may perform special studies, which may include immunohistochemical stains, molecular testing, and very rarely, electron microscopic studies to assist in the diagnosis

Note: Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumors are very rare. Due to this, it typically causes diagnostic challenges to the pathologist while trying to establish an accurate diagnosis.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Breast?

Some potential complications of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Breast include:

• They can mimic breast cancer and cause considerable emotional stress in the affected individual
• Recurrence of the tumor after treatment, especially due to partial removal of IMT. The recurrence rate may lie between 25% to 30%
• In rare cases, these tumors can be locally aggressive
• Also, very rarely, these tumors are known to metastasize; in which case the tumor is known as Malignant Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor

How is Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Breast Treated?

Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Breast may be treated through the following measures:

• Surgical removal of the entire tumor (lumpectomy) is the preferred method of treatment: Lumpectomy is a breast-sparing surgery (least invasive breast cancer surgery) in which the tumor, as well as a small portion of the surrounding tissue, is removed
• Occasionally, some tumors are known to disappear over time, without any treatment
• In young children, if the tumors cannot be surgically removed, then corticosteroid administration is found to be beneficial
• Chemotherapy may help, if the condition recurs , if there is a local invasion, or a distant metastasis is noted (in very rare cases)

Observation and periodic checkups to monitor (via a mammography) the condition is recommended following treatment.

How can Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Breast be Prevented?

Presently, there are no specific methods or guidelines to prevent Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Breast.

What is the Prognosis of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Breast? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• An early diagnosis and prompt treatment of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Breast generally yields better outcomes than a late diagnosis and delayed treatment
• The prognosis on timely surgical removal of the tumor is generally good. On a complete excision and removal, IMT of Breast is generally not known to recur
• Some tumors are known to spontaneously regress and disappear. But, some tumors are known to grow aggressively, recur, or even metastasize (occasionally)

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Breast:

The following article link will help you understand other cancers and benign tumors:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/