What is Inflammatory Breast Cancer?

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare form of breast cancer, accounting for one to five percent of all breast cancers, according to the National Cancer Institute.

IBC is an aggressive form of breast cancer that can travel through the lymphovascular system. One quarter of the time, it may present at an advanced stage. The small tumor cells cause blockage of the lymph vessels in the skin over the breast. This results in the breast often having a red, warm, and swollen appearance. The skin may develop a thick, pitted appearance that resembles an orange peel and is referred to as “peau d’orange.” The symptoms sometimes can be very similar to a breast mastitis (infection).

While IBC can occur at any age, the average age of those diagnosed is younger than most breast cancers and is typically under the age of 45.

What are the symptoms?

Not all breast cancer presents itself in the form of a lump.

Symptoms of IBC can include:

  • redness of the skin, such as a “rash” or sunburn appearance.
  • nipple flattening or retraction or discharge
  • thickening or hardening of the breast skin
  • dimpling or pitted appearance, peau d’ orange
  • skin feels warm
  • increase in total breast size, swelling
  • tenderness in the breast may or may not be present

What do I do next?

Report the symptoms to a doctor immediately.

Inflammatory breast cancer is considered the most aggressive form of breast cancer and prompt treatment is needed after diagnosis.

IBC is often difficult to detect on a mammogram because the cancer does not typically form a lump that is easily seen with the standard technology available. Diagnosis will likely result from a biopsy. It is important to note that IBC is a clinical diagnosis and a biopsy is needed when suspected for confirmation.

Current treatment usually involves initial chemotherapy to decrease pain, swelling and redness and improve the results of surgery. Additional treatments depend on the extent of the cancer and its response to initial chemotherapy, but usually involves surgery, radiation and perhaps additional chemotherapy, hormonal therapy or immunotherapy (traztuzumab) if HER2 is present.

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