What finding is indicative of tumor emboli in inflammatory breast cancer?

The indication of tumor emboli in inflammatory breast cancer is best represented by the presence of tumor emboli in dermal lymphatics. Inflammatory breast cancer is characterized by aggressive behavior and unique clinical manifestations, including changes in the skin and lymphatic spread. The dermal lymphatics can become obstructed by cancer cells, leading to the classic appearance of the skin that is often associated with this type of cancer, such as erythema and peau d’orange.

The detection of tumor emboli within the dermal lymphatics is a key pathological finding that helps confirm the diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer. This unique feature differentiates inflammatory breast cancer from other primary breast cancers and plays a critical role in guiding treatment decisions. Other findings, such as pleural effusion or mediastinal lymphadenopathy, can occur in various malignancies and are not specific indicators of tumor emboli or this particular type of breast cancer.