Definition

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. It grows in a sheet-like shape.

Breast Changes Associated With IBC Signs of IBC include skin that looks like the skin of an orange and retraction of the nipple. Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Cancer occurs when cells in the body split without control or order. These uncontrolled cells form a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to growths that invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

The cause of IBC is unknown.

Risk Factors

IBC is more common in women over 50 and women who are African American.

These factors may also increase risk:

• Obesity
• Increased breast density
• Close family members with breast cancer

Symptoms

Normally, breast cancer cells create a tumor. IBC cells develop in a sheet-like pattern so you may not feel any lumps or masses.

Symptoms start quickly and may include a breast that is:

• Firm
• Swollen and larger than usual
• Painful
• Pitted or dimpled like the skin of an orange
• Warm

The nipple of the breast may also be pulling inward.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will also be done.

Images may be taken of your breast. This can be done with:

• Mammogram
• Ultrasound
• MRI scan

A biopsy will be done to remove a sample of tissue. It will be checked for cancer cells. If cancer is found, the tissue will also be tested to look for:

• Hormone receptors
• HER2 gene—suggests an advanced form of cancer

The physical exam combined with all of your test results, will help to determine the stage of cancer you have. Staging is used to guide your treatment plan. Like other cancers, IBC is staged from 1-4. However, IBC is usually found in later stages, so it is staged using IIB, IIC, and IV. Stage IIB is cancer in the chest wall. IIC is cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes. IV is cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital. The sooner it is found, the better the outcome.

Treatment may include one or more of the following:

Prevention

Measures to prevent breast cancer include: .

• Exercise regularly.
• Eat a healthful diet.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid or limit alcohol. This means 1 drink or less a day for women and 2 drinks a day or less for men.
• Follow your doctor’s guidelines for regular breast cancer screening.
• Surgery may be an option for women with a very high risk of breast cancer. These surgeries may be done before cancer develops:
  • Prophylactic mastectomy to remove breasts
  • Hysterectomy and oophorectomy to remove the uterus and ovaries