Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that accounts for about 1-5% of all breast cancer cases. Unlike other types of breast cancer, IBC doesn’t always present as a lump or mass.

Instead, it often causes swelling, redness, and a warm sensation in the breast. Knowing the signs and symptoms of IBC could potentially save your life.

What is Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)?

IBC is a type of breast cancer that occurs when cancer cells block the lymphatic vessels in the skin, causing the breast to appear swollen and inflamed. The cancer cells can also invade the lymph nodes and spread to other parts of the body.

IBC is often misdiagnosed initially because its symptoms are similar to those of an infection. However, unlike an infection, IBC doesn’t respond to antibiotics.

That’s why it’s important to be aware of the signs of IBC and see a doctor right away if you experience any of them.

Signs and Symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Some of the signs and symptoms of IBC include:.

1. Breast swelling

The affected breast may appear swollen, larger, or feel heavier than the other breast. The swelling may appear suddenly and worsen over time.

2. Redness and warmth

The breast may appear red, pink, or bruised, and feel warm to the touch. The redness may extend beyond the breast to the surrounding skin.

3. Peau d’orange (orange peel skin)

The skin on the affected breast may take on a dimpled or pitted appearance, like an orange peel.

4. Itching and pain

You may experience itching, burning, or shooting pain in the breast. The pain may be constant or come and go.

5. Nipple changes

The nipple may become inverted, flattened, or appear retracted into the breast.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Not all cases of breast swelling and redness are due to IBC, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Diagnosing Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Diagnosing IBC can be challenging because there’s no one test that can definitively diagnose it. However, your doctor may use a combination of tests and procedures to make a diagnosis, including:.

1. Biopsy

Your doctor may take a sample of tissue from your breast and examine it under a microscope for the presence of cancer cells.

2. Imaging tests

Your doctor may order an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI to look for any abnormalities in the breast tissue.

3. Lymph node biopsy

If your doctor suspects that the cancer has spread to your lymph nodes, they may take a sample of tissue from one or more of your lymph nodes for testing.

Treatment for Inflammatory Breast Cancer

The treatment for IBC depends on the stage of the cancer and how far it has spread. IBC is often treated with a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. Hormone therapy may also be used if the cancer is hormone receptor-positive.

Chemotherapy is often used first to shrink the tumor before surgery. Surgery may involve a mastectomy (removal of the entire breast) or a lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue).

Radiation therapy may be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Prevention and Early Detection

Unfortunately, there’s no surefire way to prevent breast cancer, including IBC. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:.

1. Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight or obese has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, so maintaining a healthy weight is important.

2. Exercise regularly

Regular exercise can help lower your risk of breast cancer.

3. Limit alcohol consumption

Drinking alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, so it’s important to drink in moderation or not at all.

4. Get screened regularly

Screening for breast cancer includes mammograms, clinical breast exams, and self-exams. Talk to your doctor about when and how often you should be screened.

Conclusion

Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that can be difficult to diagnose. However, knowing the signs and symptoms of IBC can help you seek treatment early and potentially save your life.

If you experience any breast changes or symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.