Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that causes swelling. It accounts for only 1% to 5% of all breast cancers. Unlike most breast cancers, it doesn’t form breast lumps, but changes the skin texture on the breast that might look red or purple. 

It is considered a locally advanced cancer in which the cancer has spread from the origin to the nearby tissue and lymph nodes. 

Inflammatory breast cancer happens when the cancer cells block the lymph vessels, causing the breast to look inflamed. Sometimes, it is confused with a breast infection, but it is the more aggressive form that usually occurs in younger women (under 40) and is more common in obese women. 

What Makes Inflammatory Breast Cancer Differ from Other Breast Cancers?

There are several key differences between inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and other breast cancers:

• It doesn’t look like a typical breast cancer, as it doesn’t cause a lump, which makes it harder to diagnose
• More common in younger black women than white women
• Occur in women with dense breasts and excess body weight
• More aggressive, grows, and spreads more quickly than common breast cancer
• When it’s first diagnosed, IBC is at a locally advanced stage (Stage III), as the breast cancer cells have grown into the skin

Signs and Symptoms

General signs and symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC):

• Heaviness and swelling of one breast
• Red, purple, or pink color of the breast
• Pitting or thickening of the breast skin that resembles an orange peel
• A retracted or inverted nipple
• Pain, swelling, or tenderness
• Swollen lymph nodes under the arms or near the collarbone
• One breast feels warmer than the other

Consulting a doctor is crucial if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, as some of these symptoms might be confused with a breast infection. These symptoms must have been present for less than 6 months for the diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer.

Diagnosis of Inflammatory Breast Cancer 

Different diagnostic tests are involved, such as:

• Physical Exam: To check redness, warmth, swelling, and thickness of the breast skin
• Mammogram: To assess any lumps, breast calcifications, or skin thickening.
• Breast Ultrasounds: To check if the cancer has spread to nearby tissue and lymph nodes.
• Biopsy: The only way to confirm the diagnosis of IBC. A breast tissue sample is taken out and checked in the laboratory. 

Staging Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Generally, all inflammatory breast cancer is diagnosed late at Stage III. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it is considered Stage IV. 

The following tests help in determining if the cancer has spread:

• CT Scan: To look for signs in bones and soft tissues
• MRI: Provides detailed images of the breast and surrounding tissues to assess the extent of cancer
• PET Scan: Uses a dye containing radioactive drugs to create images of the internal structures in the body
• Bone Scan: Provide images of the bones that have been damaged due to cancer spread
• Treatment Options

Different options are available for treating inflammatory breast cancer. The course of treatment depends on how far the cancer has spread and the patient’s overall health condition.

• Chemotherapy: Many women receive two different chemotherapies: anthracyclines and taxanes, which can be received together or sequentially. It uses drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It can be given intravenously or as a pill and can also be given after surgery.
• Surgery: Mastectomy or lymph node dissection removes your entire affected breast and nearby lymph nodes. Treatments that only remove tissues while sparing the breast are not very effective, as the cancer spreads too quickly.
• Radiation Therapy: It directs energy towards the cancer, which destroys the cancer cells. It can be given after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
• Targeted Therapy: A protein called HER2 on the cancer cells helps the cancer cells to grow and spread, but targeted therapy destroys this protein.
• Hormone Therapy: Some types of cancer cells have hormone receptors so that the cancer can grow, and hormone therapy blocks these hormones to stop the cancer’s growth.

Also Read:- Chemotherapy for Breast Treatment

Prevention

Certain lifestyle modifications can lower the risk of inflammatory breast cancer. Here we have mentioned some:

• Limit alcohol intake
• Avoid tobacco use
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Consume a healthy diet
• Limit hormone therapy during menopause
• Do regular mammograms and breast self-exams 

Bottom Line

The survival rate of inflammatory breast cancer is lower than other breast cancers. This is because of the aggressive nature of the cancer and late diagnosis at a more advanced stage. Thanks to advancements in treatments that improve the outcomes. If you notice any change, especially in one breast, it is vital to consult a healthcare professional to start treatment on time.