PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a known breast malignancy?

1. Invasive lobular carcinoma

2. Radial scar

3. Fibroadenoma

4. Ductal hyperplasia

The correct answer is: Invasive lobular carcinoma

Invasive lobular carcinoma is recognized as a significant breast malignancy. This type of cancer originates in the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands of the breast. It is characterized by its unique growth pattern, where cancer cells invade nearby tissues in a linear, infiltrative manner, making it sometimes more difficult to detect on imaging compared to other forms of breast cancer, such as invasive ductal carcinoma. Invasive lobular carcinoma is one of the most common types of breast cancer and can present with distinct clinical features. Early recognition and accurate diagnosis are crucial for effective treatment and improving patient outcomes. The other options presented do not qualify as malignancies. Radial scars are benign breast lesions often found incidentally during biopsies and can sometimes mimic cancer but aren't cancerous themselves. Fibroadenomas are also benign tumors of the breast that are commonly observed in younger women and are not indicative of malignant transformation. Ductal hyperplasia refers to a condition where there is an overgrowth of cells in the ducts of the breast, which can sometimes be classified as atypical, but it primarily serves as a risk factor for developing breast cancer rather than being considered a malignancy itself.