Can you see inflammatory breast cancer on ultrasound?

Inflammatory : Breast cancer is usually visible on skin without imaging, so doctors would not order an ultrasound. This test is used to determine characteristics of a mass or lump that is deep to the skin.

Not always: Inflammatory breast cancer is characterized by the spread of cancer to the (lymphatics of the) skin, giving it the appearance of a skin infection. An underlying breast lumpmaybe present, which would be seen by mammogram +/-ultrasound; however, it can often grow like sheets of tumor cells in the breast without any lump, which could be missed on ultrasound. If you have concerns, see a breast surgeon.

Breast cancer: Thick king in the drums and edema can be seen on ultrasound. Underlying lesions may also be seen on ultrasound.