What exactly is inflammatory breast cancer?

Rare type of cancer: Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare but aggressive form of breast cancer which may give the appearance of a breast infection. Cancer cells block the lymphatics in the skin of the breast, leading to signs that mimic infection: breast redness, swelling, heaviness, pain, and/or thickening of the skin that may resemble the appearance of the surface of an orange.

Type of cancer: Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and very aggressive disease in which cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin of the breast. This type of breast cancer is called “inflammatory” because the breast often looks swollen and red, or “inflamed.” inflammatory breast cancer accounts for 1 to 5 percent of all breast cancers diagnosed in the United States.

Looks like infection: Ibc occurs suddenly with breast pain, redness, or swelling or a rash. Mammograms are often negative because the tumor cells grow in a sheet and don't form a lump. It is very fast-growing and spreads quickly. Immediate chemotherapy is needed. It looks like an infection, so doctors often try antibiotics first, delaying diagnosis. See a medical oncologist immediately if you have these symptoms.

Clinical diagnosis: Inflammatory breast cancer is a very aggressive and rare firm of breast cancer that is defined by invasion of the dermal lymphatic channels in ones skin. This presents as a red spreading rash on the skin and may or may not be associated with an actual mass in the breast. Skin biopsy is used to diagnose it. Aggressive tx includes chemotherapy, mastectomy, and radiation. Reconstruction possible.