What causes nipple inversion in breast cancer?

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theWUbear

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Kaplan anatomy videos state that the breast is divided into compartments by the Cooper's suspensory ligaments. The video states that growth of a tumor in a compartment can have a mass effect on the ligament. The ligament is tied tightly on one end, so on the other end (the surface), it pulls down when the mass effect force is placed upon it.

A Uworld explanation holds that it is direct "infiltration" of the suspensory ligaments that causes them to shorten --> skin retract.

Not quite potato/potato when we're considering answers involving the mechanism. I think UWorld might have gotten this one wrong if the Kaplan USMLE 2010 Anatomy video is to be taken as correect

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In Ca Breast:
Dimpling of the skin is due to infiltration of the suspensory ligaments.
Nipple retraction is due to infiltration of the lactiferous ducts.
Edema or peau d’orange is due to lymphatic obstruction/infiltration of dermal lymphatics.
 
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