Understanding Inflammatory Breast Cancer and Its Treatment Options

06/21/2025

 

Let’s Understand Inflammatory Breast Cancer and Its Symptoms

Inflammatory Breast Cancer is a very distinct and aggressive form of invasive breast cancer. It is characterized by redness and swelling of the breasts, which occurs when cancer cells block the lymph channels in the skin. Since pain, swelling, and redness are also symptoms of inflammation, this type of cancer is referred to as Inflammatory Breast Cancer. It manifests in the milk ducts (the tubes responsible for carrying milk from the lobules to the nipples), similar to most breast cancers, and may spread to other areas as well (known as Invasive Ductal Carcinoma or IDC. Since the onset of such a type of cancer is rapid, by the time they are diagnosed, they are already in stage III or IV. However, its symptoms and treatment differ from those of typical breast cancer.

While the prominent traits of common breast cancer include a lump or tumor, Inflammatory Breast Cancer presents with pain, redness, swelling, rash, and discoloration of the skin in the affected breast. Other symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer are:

• Tender, painful breasts with burning and itching

• Discoloration of the skin around the breast, which makes it appear red or pink

• Inverted nipples (or inward nipples),

• Hives, dimpling, ridges, and pitting on the skin of the breast.

• Quick enlargement of the breast

• Swollen lymph nodes around the arm or collarbone

Potential Risk Factors of Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Though anyone may develop this condition, some of the potential risks associated with Inflammatory Breast Cancer are listed below:

• African Americans are more prone to developing IBC when compared to whites.

• Obese people or those with excessive weight are at greater risk than those with a normal weight.

• Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is usually diagnosed in women who are 40 or younger.

• Women are more vulnerable to this condition when compared to men.

• People who have a family history of cancer are more likely to develop this condition.

• Pregnant ladies and nursing mothers are more prone to developing the condition.

Diagnosis of Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Inflammatory Breast Cancer can be diagnosed by performing the procedures listed below. However, before undertaking these measures, you may be prescribed other treatments to rule out any possibility of infections, as their symptoms are similar to those of inflammation. Some of the diagnostic measures include:

• Diagnosis of IBC can be difficult as there are usually no lumps detected in a physical examination or when undertaking self-examination of the breast.

• A mammogram uses a low-intensity energy beam (X-ray) to create an image of the inside of the breast. However, while undergoing a Mammogram, most women with IBC have dense breast tissue, which makes it difficult to get a clear image, thereby making detection hard. Oftentimes, while getting the screening done, IBC and breast infection look similar on imaging.

• If the doctor has a suspicion, you may be further recommended to undertake a breast ultrasound or an MRI.

• The most effective way to determine IBS is through biopsy, in which a sample of the breast tissue is taken and sent for lab testing, where it is determined whether the tissue is cancerous or not.

Treatment Options for Inflammatory Breast Cancer

There are several treatment options for Inflammatory Breast Cancer that can be used together to address the condition. Treatment may also vary based on the characteristics of the cancer identified after the biopsy in the lab work. A few of the treatment options are listed below:

Chemotherapy

It involves using breast cancer treatment drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs may be administered orally in the form of tablets or intravenously (into a vein). Chemotherapy may also be recommended after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancerous cells. Usually, the chemo drugs are expensive, so as an affordable measure, you may buy breast cancer medication online.

Radiation Therapy

This involves using energy targeted at the cancer cells to kill them. Even post-surgery, you might be suggested radiation therapy to destroy any leftover cancer cells during the surgery.

Surgery

It involves the removal of the affected breast (mastectomy) and the nearby lymph nodes. Some conservative treatment includes just the removal of the impacted breast tissues while leaving aside the breast.

Targeted Therapy

It involves targeting specific vulnerabilities of cancer cells to mitigate their effects. For instance, a protein named HER2 aids the growth and spread of IBC. Targeted therapy would involve neutralizing that protein, which in turn prevents the growth and multiplication of cancer cells.

Hormone Therapy

Although IBCs are generally hormone receptor negative, if the detected cancer cells indicate otherwise, the doctor may recommend hormone therapy. Medicines are prescribed to block the production of estrogen, causing the estrogen-dependent cancer cells to cease growing and ultimately die.

Immunotherapy

This helps the body’s immune system identify and work against the cancer cells and neutralize them. In addition to this, some studies have also revealed that immunotherapy enhances the efficacy of other treatments for IBCs, such as chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is a rare, fast-growing, and aggressive form of invasive breast cancer. It’s difficult to identify them because they do not cause any lumps or tumors, making detection challenging. By the time they are identified, the disease may already be in the late stages (III & IV). Due to its challenging detection and rapid progression, it requires special attention and treatment from both the patient and their healthcare providers. The treatment may involve multiple treatment options, such as chemo, surgery, radiation, targeted, and hormonal therapy. Studies are ongoing, and additional potential treatment options may emerge in the near future. So, stay vigilant, and if you notice any unusual growth in the breasts or any changes in their color, you must take it up with your doctor immediately. Early detection can be a refuge in tackling the condition, minimizing complexities in its treatment, and increasing the survival rate.

FAQs:

What is Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)?

Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is a rare, fast-growing, and very aggressive form of invasive breast cancer. Its symptoms are very similar to those of inflammation, such as redness and swelling. Other symptoms include ridges, hives, and pitted or dimpled skin on the breast. It is difficult to detect this form of breast cancer since it does not cause any lumps or tumours, so they go unnoticed, and by the time they are detected, they are in stage III or IV.

How is IBC different from other types of breast cancer?

Despite the fact that both typical breast cancers and inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) originate from the milk duct, they differ in symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Typical breast cancers usually produce lumps or tumors, making them easier to detect. In contrast, inflammatory breast cancer does not present lumps, which complicates diagnosis. Additionally, because its symptoms resemble those of inflammation, it sometimes goes untreated.

What are the common treatment options for IBC?

The primary treatment options for IBC include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Additionally, if the cancer cells are hormone receptor-positive, hormonal therapy may be recommended.

What symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention for IBC?

Any unusual changes in breast size, changes in the color of the breast skin, unusual warmth in the breasts, excessive heaviness, and thickening of breast skin should be discussed with the doctor immediately. In addition to these symptoms, one should also watch for hives, ridges, and pitted or dimpled skin on the breast.

Can lifestyle changes help during IBC treatment?

While lifestyle changes are not a cure for IBC, they can still play a vital role in its treatment. These changes can improve an individual's overall well-being, enhance the effectiveness of the treatment, and support the recovery process.