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breast cancer

Practice targeted AMC-style multiple-choice questions on breast cancer.

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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 58-year-old asymptomatic woman undergoes a screening mammogram. The image is shown. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. MRI of the breast
B. Reassurance and routine screening in 1 year
C. Ultrasound of the breast
D. Excisional biopsy
E. Stereotactic core biopsy
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Clinical aspects of mammary Paget's disease occurred on the thoracic wall where simple mastectomy was performed some years before.
Image by Monica Giovannini, Carmelo D'Atri, Quirino Piubello, Annamaria Molino CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

A 72-year-old woman, status post mastectomy, presents with a lesion. What is the MOST appropriate initial diagnostic test?

A. Patch testing
B. Skin biopsy
C. Wood's lamp examination
D. KOH examination
E. Fungal culture
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A 58-year-old woman, otherwise healthy with no significant medical history, undergoes a routine screening mammogram. The report notes a new cluster of pleomorphic microcalcifications in the upper outer quadrant of her left breast, measuring approximately 1.5 cm, classified as BI-RADS 4. Clinical examination reveals no palpable mass or skin changes. She has no family history of breast cancer. What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this finding?

A. Fine needle aspiration cytology
B. Excisional biopsy
C. Repeat mammogram in 6 months
D. Stereotactic core needle biopsy
E. Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 62-year-old woman presents for routine mammography. She has no palpable lumps or skin changes. Her previous mammogram two years ago was normal. The current mammogram is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Excisional biopsy
B. Ultrasound of the breast
C. Reassurance and routine screening in 2 years
D. Stereotactic core biopsy
E. MRI of the breast
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A 45-year-old woman with a suspicious breast mass on mammography undergoes a biopsy, which confirms invasive ductal carcinoma. She is referred to an oncologist for further management. What is the next step in her management?

A. Order a PET scan.
B. Refer for radiation therapy.
C. Perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy.
D. Start chemotherapy.
E. Start hormonal therapy.
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Clinical aspects of mammary Paget's disease occurred on the thoracic wall where simple mastectomy was performed some years before.
Image by Monica Giovannini, Carmelo D'Atri, Quirino Piubello, Annamaria Molino CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

A 68-year-old woman presents with a persistent, pruritic rash on her chest wall at the site of a previous mastectomy performed 8 years ago for invasive ductal carcinoma. She completed adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation. Examination reveals the area shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Initiation of systemic chemotherapy
B. Reassurance and observation
C. Referral for wide local excision
D. Skin biopsy of the affected area
E. Topical corticosteroid application
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Clinical aspects of mammary Paget's disease occurred on the thoracic wall where simple mastectomy was performed some years before.
Image by Monica Giovannini, Carmelo D'Atri, Quirino Piubello, Annamaria Molino CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

A 72-year-old woman presents with a 6-month history of a non-healing rash on her chest wall at the site of a previous mastectomy performed 10 years prior for invasive ductal carcinoma. She completed adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation. Examination reveals the findings shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Skin biopsy of the affected area
B. Empiric antibiotic therapy
C. Reassurance and observation
D. Referral for wide local excision
E. Topical corticosteroid application
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 55-year-old woman presents for her routine biennial screening mammogram. She denies any breast lumps, pain, or nipple discharge. Her past medical history is notable only for well-controlled hypothyroidism. There is no family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Physical examination reveals no palpable abnormalities. The provided image is a magnified view from the craniocaudal projection of the left breast. Considering the clinical context and the findings demonstrated, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Stereotactic core needle biopsy of the area
B. Perform a diagnostic ultrasound of the breast
C. Repeat screening mammography in 12 months
D. Refer for immediate surgical excision
E. Order genetic testing for BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations
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Clinical aspects of mammary Paget's disease occurred on the thoracic wall where simple mastectomy was performed some years before.
Image by Monica Giovannini, Carmelo D'Atri, Quirino Piubello, Annamaria Molino CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

A 70-year-old woman, post-mastectomy, presents with a chronic, pruritic lesion. What is the MOST likely underlying pathophysiology?

A. Contact dermatitis
B. Intraepithelial adenocarcinoma
C. Granulomatous inflammation
D. Dermal melanocytosis
E. Superficial fungal infection
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Clinical aspects of mammary Paget's disease occurred on the thoracic wall where simple mastectomy was performed some years before.
Image by Monica Giovannini, Carmelo D'Atri, Quirino Piubello, Annamaria Molino CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

A 68-year-old woman presents with a persistent rash on her chest wall at the site of a previous mastectomy performed 8 years ago. She denies pain or itching. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Reassurance and observation
B. Topical corticosteroid application
C. Skin biopsy
D. Referral to dermatology for cryotherapy
E. Excisional biopsy with wide margins
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A 62-year-old postmenopausal woman presents to her general practitioner with complaints of severe hot flashes that significantly affect her quality of life. She has a history of breast cancer diagnosed three years ago, which was treated with surgery and chemotherapy. Her cancer was estrogen receptor-positive. She is currently on tamoxifen as part of her ongoing treatment. She is concerned about the use of hormone replacement therapy due to her cancer history. What is the most appropriate management option for her hot flashes?

A. Conjugated estrogens
B. Clonidine
C. Paroxetine
D. Black cohosh
E. Gabapentin
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Clinical aspects of mammary Paget's disease occurred on the thoracic wall where simple mastectomy was performed some years before.
Image by Monica Giovannini, Carmelo D'Atri, Quirino Piubello, Annamaria Molino CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

A 65-year-old woman presents with a chronic, non-healing lesion at the site of her mastectomy scar, performed 7 years ago. She denies pain but reports occasional itching. What is the MOST appropriate next investigation?

A. Mammogram of the contralateral breast
B. Fungal culture
C. Topical corticosteroid application
D. Excisional biopsy with wide margins
E. Skin biopsy
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 62-year-old woman presents for her routine mammogram. She has no personal or family history of breast cancer. She denies any breast pain, nipple discharge, or palpable lumps. Clinical breast exam is unremarkable. Review of her prior mammograms shows stable, scattered fibroglandular densities. The current mammogram is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. MRI of the breast
B. Stereotactic core biopsy
C. Reassurance and routine screening in 1 year
D. Ultrasound of the breast
E. Excisional biopsy
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Clinical aspects of mammary Paget's disease occurred on the thoracic wall where simple mastectomy was performed some years before.
Image by Monica Giovannini, Carmelo D'Atri, Quirino Piubello, Annamaria Molino CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

A 68-year-old woman presents to her GP with a 3-month history of a persistent, mildly pruritic skin lesion on her left chest wall. She had a left simple mastectomy for invasive ductal carcinoma 10 years ago, followed by adjuvant therapy. She denies fever, weight loss, or other systemic symptoms. Physical examination reveals the appearance shown. What is the most appropriate initial diagnostic investigation?

A. Prescribe a course of topical antifungal cream
B. Punch biopsy of the lesion
C. Order a PET-CT scan for staging
D. Arrange a follow-up appointment in 3 months to monitor the lesion
E. Perform a shave biopsy of the lesion
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A 42-year-old woman, nulliparous, presents to her general practitioner with a palpable lump in her left breast, noticed two weeks ago. She reports some mild, intermittent tenderness associated with the lump, which she initially attributed to her menstrual cycle, but it has persisted. She has no significant family history of breast cancer. On examination, there is a 1.5 cm, firm, mobile lump in the upper outer quadrant. No skin changes or nipple discharge are noted. Axillary nodes are not palpable. She is otherwise well. Which of the following represents the most appropriate initial management step?

A. Reassurance and review in 3 months.
B. MRI of the breast.
C. Fine needle aspiration cytology of the lump.
D. Urgent mammography and ultrasound.
E. Referral to a specialist breast clinic for triple assessment.
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A 28-year-old woman presents with a palpable lump in her left breast, noticed two weeks ago. It feels smooth, mobile, and non-tender. No family history of breast cancer. On examination, a 2cm, firm, mobile mass is noted. Considering Australian guidelines for a palpable breast lump in this age group, what is the most appropriate initial investigation?

A. MRI breast
B. Core biopsy
C. Mammography
D. Ultrasound scan
E. Fine needle aspiration cytology
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Clinical aspects of mammary Paget's disease occurred on the thoracic wall where simple mastectomy was performed some years before.
Image by Monica Giovannini, Carmelo D'Atri, Quirino Piubello, Annamaria Molino CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

A 70-year-old woman presents with a lesion on her chest wall at the site of a mastectomy performed 10 years prior. She reports it started as a small area of redness and has slowly enlarged. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?

A. Eczema
B. Radiation dermatitis
C. Paget's disease of the breast
D. Invasive ductal carcinoma
E. Herpes zoster
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 58-year-old woman presents for her scheduled screening mammogram. She reports no breast lumps, pain, or nipple discharge. Her past medical history includes well-controlled hypertension and osteoarthritis. She has no known family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Physical examination reveals no palpable abnormalities in either breast or axillae. The mammogram is performed, and the image provided is a detail from the craniocaudal view of the left breast. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the provided image, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Repeat mammography in 6 months
B. Ultrasound of the breast
C. Excisional biopsy
D. Referral for genetic counselling and testing
E. Stereotactic core biopsy of the suspicious area
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A 28-year-old woman presents with a palpable lump in her left breast, noticed two weeks ago. It is slightly tender, especially before her period. On examination, it is mobile, firm, and about 2 cm. No skin changes or nipple discharge. What is the most appropriate initial investigation?

A. Ultrasound of the breast
B. Observation and review in 3 months
C. MRI of the breast
D. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC)
E. Mammography
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 58-year-old woman presents for her scheduled screening mammogram. She denies any breast lumps, pain, or nipple discharge. She has no family history of breast cancer. Her physical examination is unremarkable. The image provided is a detail from her left craniocaudal view. Considering this finding, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in her clinical management?

A. Referral for breast ultrasound.
B. Discussion regarding prophylactic mastectomy.
C. Annual routine screening mammography.
D. Stereotactic core needle biopsy of the area of concern.
E. Repeat mammography with magnification views in 3 months.
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 62-year-old woman attends her routine mammogram. She has no palpable lumps or skin changes. Her previous mammograms have been normal. The provided image is from the current study. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Stereotactic core biopsy
B. Excisional biopsy
C. Reassurance and routine screening in 2 years
D. Ultrasound of the breast
E. MRI of the breast
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 62-year-old woman presents for her routine screening mammogram. She reports no breast symptoms, and physical examination is unremarkable. Her medical history includes well-controlled type 2 diabetes and hyperlipidaemia. She has no family history of breast cancer. The provided image is a magnified view from the craniocaudal projection of the right breast. Considering the clinical context and the findings demonstrated, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Breast ultrasound of the area
B. Referral to a medical oncologist for systemic therapy planning
C. Repeat screening mammogram in 6 months
D. Stereotactic core needle biopsy of the area
E. Excisional biopsy under wire localisation
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A 60-year-old woman with a history of breast cancer, treated with surgery and radiation 5 years ago, presents with new-onset back pain. Imaging reveals lytic lesions in the spine. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Multiple myeloma
B. Degenerative disc disease
C. Spinal tuberculosis
D. Metastatic breast cancer
E. Osteoporosis
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 65-year-old asymptomatic woman undergoes a screening mammogram. The image shows the findings. Her previous mammograms have been unremarkable. What is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Stereotactic core biopsy
B. MRI of the breast
C. Excisional biopsy
D. Ultrasound of the breast
E. Reassurance and routine screening in 1 year
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 55-year-old woman with no palpable breast lumps presents for a routine screening mammogram. The image is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. Stereotactic core biopsy
B. Ultrasound of the breast
C. Reassurance and routine follow-up in 1 year
D. Excisional biopsy
E. MRI of the breast
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A 42-year-old woman presents with a new, firm, mobile lump in her left breast, noticed two weeks ago. She is otherwise well. What is the most appropriate initial investigation?

A. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the lump
B. Reassurance and review in 3 months
C. Ultrasound of the breast only
D. Core biopsy of the lump
E. Mammogram and ultrasound of the breast
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A 52-year-old woman presents to her GP with a palpable lump in her right breast. She reports no pain, nipple discharge, or skin changes. She has no family history of breast cancer. On examination, the lump is firm, non-tender, and mobile. There is no axillary lymphadenopathy. What is the most appropriate initial investigation?

A. Breast ultrasound
B. Mammography
C. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA)
D. MRI of the breast
E. Core biopsy
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 55-year-old woman undergoes routine screening mammography. She is asymptomatic with no personal or family history of breast cancer. Physical examination is unremarkable. The provided image is a magnified view from the craniocaudal projection of the right breast. Based on the findings demonstrated, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Stereotactic core needle biopsy of the area.
B. Order genetic testing for BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations.
C. Proceed directly to surgical excision.
D. Repeat screening mammography in 12 months.
E. Perform a diagnostic ultrasound of the breast.
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 62-year-old woman presents for her routine mammogram. She has no personal or family history of breast cancer. She denies any breast pain, nipple discharge, or palpable lumps. Clinical breast exam is unremarkable. Her previous mammograms have been negative. The current mammogram reveals findings as shown in the image. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Ultrasound-guided core biopsy
B. MRI of the breast
C. Stereotactic core biopsy
D. Excisional biopsy
E. Reassurance and routine screening mammography in 1 year
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Clinical aspects of mammary Paget's disease occurred on the thoracic wall where simple mastectomy was performed some years before.
Image by Monica Giovannini, Carmelo D'Atri, Quirino Piubello, Annamaria Molino CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

A 65-year-old woman presents with a several-month history of a slowly enlarging, mildly pruritic skin lesion on her left chest wall. She underwent a simple mastectomy on the left side for invasive ductal carcinoma 8 years ago. She denies systemic symptoms. Physical examination reveals the appearance shown. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Punch biopsy of the lesion
B. Arrange a CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis
C. Order a mammogram of the right breast
D. Reassure the patient and review in 6 months
E. Prescribe a high-potency topical steroid cream
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A 35-year-old woman with a family history of BRCA1-associated breast cancer is considering genetic testing. She is asymptomatic and has no personal history of cancer. What is the MOST appropriate initial step in her management?

A. Ordering a BRCA1/2 gene mutation analysis
B. Prescribing prophylactic tamoxifen
C. Suggesting prophylactic bilateral mastectomy
D. Recommending annual mammography starting at age 25
E. Referral to a clinical geneticist or genetic counselor for pre-test counseling and risk assessment
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A 45-year-old woman presents with a palpable lump in her left breast, noticed two weeks ago. She has no family history of breast cancer. On examination, the lump is firm, mobile, and approximately 2 cm. What is the most appropriate initial investigation?

A. Reassurance and review in 3 months
B. Mammogram and ultrasound of the breast
C. Core biopsy
D. MRI of the breast
E. Fine needle aspiration cytology
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 55-year-old woman attends for her routine screening mammogram. She has no breast symptoms and no family history of breast cancer. Her physical examination is unremarkable. The mammogram is performed, and a finding is noted in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast, as shown in the image. Based on the appearance of the finding demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate next step in her management?

A. Repeat mammography in 6 months.
B. Stereotactic core biopsy of the calcifications.
C. Breast ultrasound of the area.
D. Immediate surgical excision of the area.
E. Referral for breast MRI.
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A 35-year-old woman presents with a 2cm, firm, mobile lump in her left breast, noticed two weeks ago. She is otherwise well. What is the most appropriate initial investigation?

A. Core biopsy
B. Mammography
C. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC)
D. Reassurance and review in 3 months
E. Ultrasound of the breast
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Clinical aspects of mammary Paget's disease occurred on the thoracic wall where simple mastectomy was performed some years before.
Image by Monica Giovannini, Carmelo D'Atri, Quirino Piubello, Annamaria Molino CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

A 62-year-old woman presents for a routine follow-up appointment several years after undergoing a simple mastectomy for pT1N0M0 invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast. She completed adjuvant endocrine therapy and has been well since. During the consultation, she mentions that she has noticed a persistent area of skin change on her left chest wall, near the mastectomy scar, over the past few months. She describes it as occasionally itchy and slightly raised, but denies pain, discharge, or systemic symptoms such as weight loss or fever. Her vital signs are stable, and physical examination reveals no palpable axillary or supraclavicular lymphadenopathy. The appearance of the affected area is shown in the image. Considering the patient's history and the clinical presentation, what is the most appropriate initial diagnostic step?

A. Arrange for a PET-CT scan to assess for metastatic disease
B. Perform fine needle aspiration cytology of the lesion
C. Prescribe a course of topical antifungal cream and review in two weeks
D. Excisional or incisional biopsy of the lesion
E. Reassure the patient that this is likely post-surgical scarring and review in six months
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 62-year-old woman undergoes routine screening mammography. She is asymptomatic with no relevant family history of breast cancer. Physical examination is unremarkable. The provided image is a detail from her mammogram. Based on the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Refer directly to a breast surgeon for consultation.
B. Refer for breast MRI for further characterisation.
C. Proceed directly to core needle biopsy of the suspicious area.
D. Perform additional diagnostic mammographic views and potentially targeted ultrasound.
E. Schedule for routine annual screening mammography in 12 months.
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Clinical aspects of mammary Paget's disease occurred on the thoracic wall where simple mastectomy was performed some years before.
Image by Monica Giovannini, Carmelo D'Atri, Quirino Piubello, Annamaria Molino CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

A 68-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner with a persistent, pruritic rash on her chest wall. She reports a history of left mastectomy for invasive ductal carcinoma 8 years ago, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy. She denies any recent trauma or changes in soaps or detergents. Physical examination reveals the findings shown. A punch biopsy is performed. Which of the following immunohistochemical stains would most likely be positive in this patient's biopsy sample, supporting the suspected diagnosis?

A. Vimentin
B. Cytokeratin 7 (CK7)
C. Smooth muscle actin (SMA)
D. S-100
E. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 58-year-old woman attends a routine mammography screening. She reports no palpable lumps, pain, or nipple discharge. Her family history is unremarkable. The current mammogram reveals new findings compared to her prior images from the last 5 years. The image is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. Reassurance and repeat mammogram in 1 year
B. MRI of the breast
C. Excisional biopsy
D. Stereotactic core biopsy
E. Ultrasound of the breast
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Clinical aspects of mammary Paget's disease occurred on the thoracic wall where simple mastectomy was performed some years before.
Image by Monica Giovannini, Carmelo D'Atri, Quirino Piubello, Annamaria Molino CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

A 72-year-old woman presents with a persistent, slowly expanding skin lesion on her right chest wall, present for several months. She underwent a right mastectomy for invasive ductal carcinoma 12 years ago. She denies pain, discharge, or systemic symptoms. Physical examination reveals the appearance shown. Considering the patient's history and the clinical finding, which of the following investigations is most appropriate to assess for potential underlying malignancy or systemic involvement?

A. Bone scan
B. Serum tumour markers (CA 15-3, CEA)
C. Mammography of the contralateral breast
D. CT scan of chest, abdomen, and pelvis
E. PET scan
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

Mrs. Eleanor Vance, a 62-year-old retired teacher, presents for her routine biennial screening mammogram through the BreastScreen Australia program. She has no personal history of breast disease, and her family history is negative for breast or ovarian cancer in first-degree relatives. She is otherwise healthy, with a history of diet-controlled type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis managed with paracetamol. She denies any breast pain, lumps, nipple discharge, or skin changes. Her last mammogram two years ago was reported as normal (BIRADS 1). Physical examination of both breasts and axillae is unremarkable. The current screening mammogram is performed. The image provided is a magnified view from the craniocaudal projection of the left breast, specifically highlighting an area that has been flagged for further assessment by the reporting radiologist due to a change from the previous study. Based on the appearance of the abnormality demonstrated in the provided image, which is the most appropriate method for obtaining a tissue diagnosis?

A. Surgical excisional biopsy with wire localisation as the initial diagnostic step
B. Ultrasound-guided core biopsy of the area corresponding to the mammographic finding
C. Follow-up mammography in 6 months to assess stability of the finding
D. Stereotactic core biopsy targeting the clustered microcalcifications
E. Fine needle aspiration cytology of the suspicious area
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Clinical aspects of mammary Paget's disease occurred on the thoracic wall where simple mastectomy was performed some years before.
Image by Monica Giovannini, Carmelo D'Atri, Quirino Piubello, Annamaria Molino CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

A 68-year-old woman presents with a persistent, pruritic rash on her chest wall at the site of a previous mastectomy performed 8 years ago for invasive ductal carcinoma. She completed adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation at that time. Examination reveals the area shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Topical corticosteroid application
B. Referral for excisional re-resection
C. Mammogram of the contralateral breast
D. Empiric antifungal treatment
E. Skin biopsy of the affected area
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Clinical aspects of mammary Paget's disease occurred on the thoracic wall where simple mastectomy was performed some years before.
Image by Monica Giovannini, Carmelo D'Atri, Quirino Piubello, Annamaria Molino CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

A 68-year-old woman presents with a persistent rash following a mastectomy 5 years prior. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Skin biopsy
B. Reassurance and observation
C. Topical corticosteroids
D. Mammogram of the contralateral breast
E. Excisional biopsy with wide margins
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Clinical aspects of mammary Paget's disease occurred on the thoracic wall where simple mastectomy was performed some years before.
Image by Monica Giovannini, Carmelo D'Atri, Quirino Piubello, Annamaria Molino CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

A 62-year-old woman presents for a routine follow-up appointment several years after undergoing a simple mastectomy for pT1N0M0 invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast. She completed adjuvant endocrine therapy and has been well since, reporting no new systemic symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or bone pain. Her last mammogram of the contralateral breast and clinical examination at her previous visit six months ago were unremarkable. During the current consultation, she mentions that she has noticed a persistent area of skin change on her left chest wall, near the mastectomy scar, over the past few months. She describes it as occasionally itchy and slightly raised, but denies pain, discharge, or significant discomfort. Her vital signs are stable (BP 130/80 mmHg, HR 72 bpm, RR 16/min, Temp 36.8°C). Physical examination reveals no palpable axillary or supraclavicular lymphadenopathy. The appearance of the affected area is shown in the image. Considering the patient's history, the duration and nature of the symptoms, and the clinical presentation, what is the most appropriate initial diagnostic step to investigate this new finding?

A. Prescribe a course of topical antifungal cream and review in two weeks.
B. Perform a punch biopsy of the affected skin area.
C. Arrange for a repeat mammogram of the contralateral breast and ultrasound of the axilla.
D. Order a CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis to rule out metastatic disease.
E. Reassure the patient that this is likely a benign inflammatory reaction related to the scar and monitor clinically.
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A 50-year-old woman presents with a newly discovered, firm, mobile lump in her left breast, approximately 2 cm in size. She has no family history of breast cancer. She is post-menopausal. On examination, the lump is palpable in the upper outer quadrant, appears well-defined, and is non-tender. There are no skin changes or nipple discharge. Axillary nodes are not palpable. Considering the Australian guidelines for breast lump assessment, which of the following is the most appropriate initial investigation?

A. Mammography and ultrasound
B. Clinical breast examination and review in 3 months
C. Ultrasound and core biopsy
D. Fine needle aspiration cytology
E. Mammography alone
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

Mrs. Eleanor Vance, a 62-year-old retired teacher, presents for her routine biennial screening mammogram through the BreastScreen Australia program. She has no personal history of breast disease, and her family history is negative for breast or ovarian cancer in first-degree relatives. She is otherwise healthy, with a history of diet-controlled type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis managed with paracetamol. She denies any breast pain, lumps, nipple discharge, or skin changes. Her last mammogram two years ago was reported as normal (BIRADS 1). Physical examination of both breasts and axillae is unremarkable. The current screening mammogram is performed. The image provided is a magnified view from the craniocaudal projection of the left breast, specifically highlighting an area that has been flagged for further assessment by the reporting radiologist due to a change from the previous study. Based on the clinical presentation, the patient's history, and the specific finding demonstrated in the provided image from her screening mammogram, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in the management pathway for this patient?

A. Stereotactic vacuum-assisted core biopsy of the suspicious calcifications.
B. Proceed directly to surgical excision of the area under wire localisation.
C. Repeat the mammogram in 3-6 months with spot compression and magnification views.
D. Request a breast MRI with contrast to better delineate the extent of the abnormality.
E. Perform a targeted ultrasound of the area of concern.
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A 35-year-old woman with a strong family history of breast cancer (mother and sister diagnosed before age 40) is concerned about her risk. What is the most appropriate genetic testing for this patient?

A. HER2/neu testing
B. KRAS mutation testing
C. p53 mutation testing
D. Estrogen receptor testing
E. BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation testing
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 62-year-old woman presents for routine mammography. The image is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. Reassurance and routine screening
B. Stereotactic core biopsy
C. Ultrasound of the breast
D. MRI of the breast
E. Excisional biopsy
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Gynaecomastia
Image by ProloSozz CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

A 55-year-old male presents to his GP with bilateral breast tenderness and swelling over six months. He denies nipple discharge or other systemic symptoms. Past medical history is unremarkable, and he takes no regular medications. Physical examination reveals the findings shown in the image. Vital signs are normal. Initial investigations including liver function tests, renal function tests, thyroid function tests, LH, FSH, prolactin, and testosterone are all within normal limits. Considering the clinical presentation, image findings, and normal initial investigations, which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the evaluation of this patient?

A. CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis
B. Referral for genetic testing for Klinefelter syndrome
C. Breast ultrasound and mammography
D. Initiate a trial of tamoxifen
E. Scrotal ultrasound
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Clinical aspects of mammary Paget's disease occurred on the thoracic wall where simple mastectomy was performed some years before.
Image by Monica Giovannini, Carmelo D'Atri, Quirino Piubello, Annamaria Molino CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

A 62-year-old woman presents for a routine follow-up appointment several years after undergoing a simple mastectomy for pT1N0M0 invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast. She completed adjuvant endocrine therapy and has been well since. During the consultation, she mentions that she has noticed a persistent area of skin change on her left chest wall, near the mastectomy scar, over the past few months. She describes it as occasionally itchy and slightly raised, but denies pain, discharge, or systemic symptoms such as weight loss or fever. Her vital signs are stable, and physical examination reveals no palpable axillary or supraclavicular lymphadenopathy. The appearance of the affected area is shown in the image. Considering the patient's history and the clinical presentation, what is the most appropriate initial diagnostic step?

A. Order a whole-body PET-CT scan
B. Reassure the patient and arrange follow-up in 6 months
C. Prescribe a course of topical corticosteroid cream
D. Arrange a mammogram of the contralateral breast
E. Biopsy of the affected skin area
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

Mrs. Eleanor Vance, a 62-year-old retired teacher, presents for her routine biennial screening mammogram through the BreastScreen Australia program. She has no personal history of breast disease, and her family history is negative for breast or ovarian cancer in first-degree relatives. She is otherwise healthy, with a history of diet-controlled type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis managed with paracetamol. She denies any breast pain, lumps, nipple discharge, or skin changes. Her last mammogram two years ago was reported as normal (BIRADS 1). Physical examination of both breasts and axillae is unremarkable. The current screening mammogram is performed. The image provided is a magnified view from the craniocaudal projection of the left breast, specifically highlighting an area that has been flagged for further assessment by the reporting radiologist due to a change from the previous study. Assuming that subsequent investigation of the area highlighted in the image confirms a diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and the patient undergoes breast-conserving surgery, which of the following factors is most important in determining the need for adjuvant radiotherapy?

A. Patient's body mass index (BMI)
B. Margin status of the surgical excision specimen
C. Oestrogen receptor status of the DCIS cells
D. Ki-67 proliferation index of the DCIS cells
E. Presence of metastatic disease on staging scans
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