Skin dimpling overlying a breast carcinoma results from involvement of which anatomical structure?

• A Axillary lymphatics
• B Pectoralis major fascia
• C Lactiferous ducts
• D Suspensory ligaments of Cooper ✓

Explanation

The suspensory ligaments of Cooper pass from the dermis to the deep fascia and support the breast. Invasion and contraction of these ligaments by carcinoma pulls the skin inward, producing dimpling that becomes more obvious when the patient presses hands on hips to tense pectoralis major. Obstruction of dermal lymphatics instead causes peau d'orange, while infiltration of the lactiferous ducts causes nipple retraction, so the other structures produce different signs.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.