Understanding Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Signs, Risks and Why Early Action Matters

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare but serious type of breast cancer. It makes up only 1% to 5% of all cases. Although it is a kind of invasive ductal carcinoma, it acts very differently. IBC blocks the lymph vessels in the skin, which causes swelling, redness, and a warm feeling. These signs make the breast look inflamed, but they are not due to an infection.

Common Symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

Here are the common symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer, written in simple words and following your guidelines:

• One breast change fast in size or shape within a few weeks.
• The breast may feel thick, heavy, or swollen.
• The skin on the breast may turn red, purple, or pink, like a bruise.
• The breast may feel warmer than usual.
• The skin may look bumpy or have ridges, like an orange peel.
• You may feel pain, tenderness, or a dull ache in the breast.
• Lymph nodes may swell under the arm or near the collarbone.
• The nipple may look flat or turn inward on the affected side.

To confirm IBC, these symptoms must appear and last for less than six months.

Stages of Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

Staging helps doctors choose the right treatment and understand how serious the cancer is. IBC has its own staging because it spreads and acts differently than other breast cancers.

• Stage IIIB: Cancer affects at least one-third of the breast skin. It may spread to nearby areas like the chest wall, ribs, or chest muscles. It may also reach the lymph nodes near the breast or under the arm.
• Stage IIIC: If more lymph nodes are affected (called N3), the stage changes from IIIB to IIIC. The breast looks inflamed.
• Stage IV: The cancer has spread to other parts of the body. These may include the bones, lungs, liver, or brain.

Each stage helps guide treatment and shows how far the cancer has grown.

What Causes Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)?

Inflammatory breast cancer starts when some breast cells change and begin to grow out of control. These changes happen in the DNA of the cells. DNA is like a set of instructions that tells cells how to grow, divide, and when to die.

• In healthy cells, the DNA controls how fast cells grow and when they should stop.
• In cancer cells, the DNA gives wrong instructions. These cells grow too fast and don’t die when they should.
• This leads to the buildup of many abnormal cells.

IBC often begins in the milk ducts (the tubes that carry milk to the nipple). It can also start in the lobules, the parts of the breast that make milk.

In IBC, the cancer cells move into the lymph vessels in the skin of the breast. These vessels help drain fluid from the breast. When cancer cells block them:

• The skin swells,
• The breast may look red or feel warm,
• The skin may look dimpled, like an orange peel.

These changes are common signs of inflammatory breast cancer.

How I Knew I Had Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Many people ask how I knew I had inflammatory breast cancer, as IBC is harder to detect since it usually doesn’t cause a lump. It may not appear on a mammogram either. It affects younger women more, especially those under 40. Black women and women with excess weight face a higher risk. This cancer spreads fast and is very aggressive. At the time of diagnosis, it is already at a serious stage (stage III or higher). In many cases, it has spread to other parts of the body. Because of this, IBC is harder to treat and has a lower survival rate compared to other breast cancers.

How Is Inflammatory Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

If you have symptoms that may be caused by inflammatory breast cancer, your doctor will refer you to a breast clinic. Most people visit a one-stop clinic, where they get several tests done in one visit.

Here are the common tests you may have:

• A doctor will examine your breasts carefully.
• You may get a mammogram to check for changes inside the breast.
• An ultrasound scan helps look at the breast tissue more closely.
• A biopsy may be done. This means taking a small sample of skin or breast tissue to check for cancer cells.
• You might also have a breast MRI scan for a more detailed view.
• CT or PET-CT scans help check if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment for Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

The treatment plan for inflammatory breast cancer depends on different things like:

• Whether your cancer has certain receptors (like hormone or HER2 receptors).
• Your overall health and if you have other medical problems.

Your doctor will explain all treatment options and help you choose the best one. Make sure to ask questions so you understand what’s being offered and why.

Drug Treatment Before Surgery (Neoadjuvant Therapy)

Treatment for inflammatory breast cancer usually starts with chemotherapy to shrink the tumor. If the cancer has HER2 receptors, doctors may also add targeted drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin) to make the treatment more effective.

Surgery

Once chemotherapy is complete, surgery is the next step. Most people will need a mastectomy, which means removing the entire breast. In some cases, breast reconstruction may be an option. The surgeon might also remove lymph nodes under the arm to check if the cancer has spread.

Radiotherapy

After surgery, radiotherapy is typically given to destroy any remaining cancer cells. This involves using high-energy X-rays and helps lower the chances of the cancer coming back in the treated area.

Hormone Therapy

If your cancer has hormone receptors, you’ll likely take hormone-blocking tablets for several years. This treatment helps reduce the risk of the cancer returning by preventing hormones from fueling its growth.

Furthermore, clinical trials for breast cancer can offer potential new treatment options when standard therapies don’t work or stop being effective.

Types of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer can look and behave differently depending on its type. Knowing the type helps doctors choose the best treatment. Below are the most common types of breast cancer:

• Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
• Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
• HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
• Metastatic Breast Cancer

Less Common and Rare Types of Breast Cancer

• Secondary Breast Cancer
• Phyllodes Tumor
• Metaplastic Breast Cancer
• Fungating Breast Cancer
• Mucinous Carcinoma

Conclusion:

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive and rare form of breast cancer that requires quick diagnosis and a carefully planned treatment approach. Understanding its symptoms, causes, stages, and treatment options can help patients and caregivers make informed decisions. While treatment may involve chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy, not all patients respond the same way. That’s why early detection, personalized care, and ongoing support are so important. Furthermore, for those exploring alternatives when standard treatments are not effective, participation in paid clinical trials in Nebraska may offer access to emerging therapies and provide compensation.