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IPLab:Lab 7:IDC

Revision as of 15:33, 21 August 2013 by Seung Park (talk | contribs)

Contents

Clinical SummaryEdit

This 66-year-old female had had a mass of increasing size in the left breast for many years. A modified radical mastectomy was performed. At that time, invading carcinoma was left around the subclavian artery and 9 of 9 axillary lymph nodes were found to contain metastases. Later, pleural effusions recurred despite radiation therapy. The patient died 3 months after surgery.

Autopsy FindingsEdit

The left breast was large (1700 grams), measuring 34 x 22 x 7 cm. A very large tumor involving all quadrants and measuring about 14 cm in diameter was noted. The nipple and skin were involved, the latter showing the typical orange peel appearance. On section, virtually the entire breast was replaced by a tumor composed of firm, yellowish-white tissue. Extension into the fatty tissue and to the skin was evident grossly.

ImagesEdit

Study QuestionsEdit


A radical mastectomy involves removal of the breast, underlying pectoralis muscles, and axillary lymph nodes.

Pleural effusion is the presence of fluid in the pleural space. Increased hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary vasculature, as seen in heart failure, is one cause of pleural effusion.

An infiltrate is an accumulation of cells in the lung parenchyma--this is a sign of pneumonia.