Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) Nursing Practice Test

Which type of breast cancer is recognized as the most aggressive?

1. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

2. In-Situ Cancer

3. Inflammatory Breast Cancer

4. Polymorphisms

The correct answer is: Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is recognized as the most aggressive type of breast cancer due to its unique characteristics and rapid progression. IBC is not just a subtype of breast cancer but a distinct clinical entity that is often advanced at diagnosis. This form of cancer typically presents with symptoms such as swelling, redness, and warmth of the breast, which can occur within a short time frame. The aggressive nature of IBC is primarily attributed to how it spreads through the skin and lymphatic vessels, often without forming a distinct lump, making early detection challenging. This leads to a higher likelihood of metastasis compared to other types of breast cancer, which may present more slowly and with identifiable tumors. Moreover, IBC may not exhibit the usual findings typical of breast cancer on a mammogram, further complicating early diagnosis. In contrast, other types mentioned, such as Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, while common and sometimes aggressive, generally have a broader range of treatment responses and prognoses. In-situ cancer is typically non-invasive and has excellent outcomes with appropriate treatment, and polymorphisms are variations in DNA that may be associated with cancer risk but do not define a specific cancer type. These factors collectively highlight why IBC stands out as the