Peau d'orange describes the characteristic appearance of skin overlying a breast carcinoma. It is due to invasion of the axillary lymphatics by tumour producing obstruction and subsequently, oedema of the overlying skin. This creates an orange peel appearance.
Overlying a breast lump, this appearance is almost pathognomonic of carcinoma. The differential diagnosis is inflammatory breast cancer where localised oedema may result from obliteration of cutaneous lymphatics by tumour cells.
Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.