Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a relatively uncommon malignancy in which cancerous cells block lymph vessels in the skin of a breast. According to the National Cancer Institute, IBC accounts for less than 4% of all breast cancer diagnoses. Because the condition is so rare, highly specialized treatment is needed to ensure the best possible outcome.
Tampa General Hospital’s Cancer Institute is home to one of the highest-volume breast cancer programs in the state of Florida. The multidisciplinary team in our Breast Cancer Center offers all aspects of cancer care and support, including the latest advances in inflammatory breast cancer treatment.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer Causes
The precise causes of inflammatory breast cancer are not yet well understood. Scientists believe the cancer develops after healthy cells in a milk duct undergo abnormal DNA changes that cause the cells to grow and divide uncontrollably. The excess cells then build up and block lymph vessels in the breast skin, preventing lymph fluid from draining properly.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer Rash
Despite its name, inflammatory breast cancer is not caused by inflammation. Instead, the term “inflammatory” refers to the appearance of the breasts. The most common symptoms of IBC—swelling, redness and changes in skin texture—are similar to those of an infection, which occur when the immune system triggers an inflammatory response to trap the irritant and help heal the injured tissues. Unlike the symptoms of an infection, the symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer develop as cancer cells block lymph vessels in the breast skin.
The hallmark sign of IBC is a pink, reddish-purple or bruise-like rash that covers at least one-third of a breast. Additionally, the breast skin may develop ridges or appear pitted, similar to an orange peel (peau d’orange).
Inflammatory Breast Cancer Symptoms
In addition to a breast rash, inflammatory breast cancer can cause:
- Breast pain, swelling, tenderness, burning or itching
- An inverted nipple
- Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone
- An increase in the size of one breast
Inflammatory breast cancer symptoms tend to develop rapidly, often within a few days or weeks.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Inflammatory breast cancer can be challenging to diagnose. Unlike many other types of breast cancer, it does not cause a well-defined breast lump that can be felt. Additionally, IBC may not be visible in a mammogram because many women who develop it have dense breast tissue, which complicates the imaging process.
If inflammatory breast cancer is suspected, a physician may perform a physical examination to rule out an infection, then order diagnostic testing, such as a:
- Ultrasound
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- Computed tomography (CG) scan
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
- Biopsy
Inflammatory Breast Cancer Treatment
Inflammatory breast cancer treatment can vary based on several factors, including the extent of the cancer, its biological makeup and whether it is hormone-receptor-positive. Because IBC is aggressive and usually progresses rapidly, it is often detected at an advanced stage.
Some potentially effective treatment options for inflammatory breast cancer include:
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy
Inflammatory Breast Cancer Survival Rate
By the time IBC symptoms become apparent, the cancerous cells have usually invaded the breast skin, so the cancer is often diagnosed at stage 3 or 4. It also tends to affect younger women (under age 40) and grows and spreads more rapidly than other types of breast cancer.
Additionally, because IBC accounts for only a small percentage of breast cancer cases, there is less general awareness about its symptoms and it receives less attention from researchers. All of these factors can affect the overall survival rate. With that said, the inflammatory breast cancer prognosis is continually improving with early detection and aggressive treatment.
Benefit From World-Class Care at TGH
At TGH, we take a patient-first approach to cancer care. When you turn to us, your inflammatory breast cancer journey will be guided by dedicated Care Navigators who will ensure that you are fully supported and informed throughout your diagnosis and treatment. If would like to talk with an expert on our team, contact us at (800) 844-4554 to request an appointment.
