Breast health

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC)

by Dixie Mills, MD, FACS

The key point to remember about this type of breast cancer is that symptoms do show up quickly — sometimes even overnight — and it is very aggressive. So women should seek diagnosis and treatment quickly.

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare type of breast cancer that shows up differently from other forms of breast cancer.  A woman may notice swelling of one of her breasts, often with redness and warmth — thus the term inflammatory breast cancer.  The breast skin may take on a pink, red, or bruised appearance, and its surface may become dimpled, pitted or ridged, much like an orange rind. This characteristic appearance is known as peau d’orange.

Inflammatory breast cancer is not usually detected on mammography or ultrasound because it doesn’t usually grow in the form of a discrete tumor or lump. Instead its growth habit is more sheet-like or nest-like, and the cancer cells tend to be diffusely present throughout the breast. The lymphatic vessels of the breast become blocked by the cancer cells, leading to increased warmth, swelling, and changes in skin color and texture that are typical of its presentation.

However, IBC’s clinical presentation can vary from woman to woman, and these signs and symptoms can also occur in benign breast conditions. While many doctors may never have seen a woman with this type of breast cancer, they’ve probably been asked about it on nearly every exam they’ve ever taken. Many women experience symptoms suddenly, and they or their physician may mistake them at first for an infection or mastitis. But inflammatory breast cancer does not go away with a course of antibiotics. This type of breast cancer is extremely aggressive, and may be systemic — present throughout the body — by the time symptoms manifest. So it is important to be evaluated by a medical provider if you note changes in your breast.

A breast specialist can usually diagnose this condition by reviewing the clinical story and performing a skin punch biopsy — easily done in the office. Treatments for this type of cancer are improving, as are survival rates. If possible the woman should be seen in an academic setting such as a teaching hospital, where they can access the newest regimes. Standard treatments start with chemotherapy, then move on to surgery and radiation therapy to the breast and axilla (underarm). Sometimes additional chemotherapy is then used, or hormonal therapy, or both.

For additional information on breast health, see our other articles on breast cancer awareness, breast cancer screening, and causes of breast cancer.

Related to this article:

References & further reading on inflammatory breast cancer

 

Original Publication Date: 07/18/2006
Last Modified: 03/11/2010
Principal Author: Dixie Mills, MD