Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive and rare form of breast cancer that causes the affected breast to become red, swollen, and warm. It is caused by the blockage of lymph vessels in the breast skin, causing inflammation and infection-like symptoms. It can spread rapidly and has a poor prognosis.
Although the exact cause of IBC is not known, genetic, immune, and environmental factors are likely to be involved. As an autoimmune disease, IBC occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. The immune system produces abnormal proteins called inflammatory cytokines in IBC, which cause swelling, pain, and redness in the breast tissue. The cytokines trigger an inflammation response in the breast tissue.
Some possible risk factors for developing IBC include:
Age: IBC usually affects women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) between 40 and 60 years old, but it can occur at any age.
Race: IBC is more common in people who are Black than in people who are white or Asian.
Obesity: IBC is more likely to occur in people with obesity or overweight than in people with a normal body mass index (BMI).
Pregnancy: IBC is more likely to occur during or shortly after pregnancy, especially in women and people AFAB who are older than 35 years old.
Family history: IBC may run in families, but the exact genes involved are not well understood.
The symptoms of IBC usually develop rapidly and worsen over time. Some common symptoms include:
Redness, warmth, or swelling of one breast, often affecting more than one-third of the breast
Thickening, dimpling, or peeling of the skin of the breast, resembling an orange peel
Inverted or flattened nipple
Enlarged lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone
Breast pain, tenderness, or itching
Fever or chills
Weight loss or loss of appetite
Some people with IBC may also experience symptoms of metastasis, which is when the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, such as:
Bone pain or fractures
Chest pain or shortness of breath
Abdominal pain or swelling
Headache or vision changes
Jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes
IBC can be difficult to diagnose, as it can mimic other conditions, such as mastitis, eczema, or cellulitis. The diagnosis of IBC is usually based on a combination of:
Medical history and physical examination
Imaging tests, such as mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI, to obtain images of the breast and the lymph nodes
Biopsy, which is when a small sample of tissue is removed from the breast or the lymph node and examined under a microscope
Blood tests, to check the levels of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
Genetic tests, to identify any mutations or variations that may affect the risk or prognosis of IBC
The treatment of IBC depends on the stage, grade, and subtype of the cancer, as well as the patient's age, preferences, and overall health. Among the main goals of treatment are shrinking the tumor, preventing or treating metastasis, and improving survival and quality of life.
Some possible treatments for IBC include:
Chemotherapy, which is the use of drugs to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells
Surgery, which is the removal of the tumor and some surrounding tissue, such as mastectomy or lumpectomy
Radiation therapy, which is the use of high-energy rays to destroy or damage cancer cells
Hormone therapy, which is the use of drugs to block or lower the levels of hormones, such as estrogen or progesterone, that may fuel the growth of some types of breast cancer
Targeted therapy, which is the use of drugs to target specific molecules or pathways that are involved in the growth or spread of some types of breast cancer
Immunotherapy, which is the use of drugs to stimulate or enhance the body’s immune system to fight the cancer
IBC cannot be prevented in all cases, as some causes are unknown or unavoidable. However, some possible ways to reduce the risk or improve the outcome of IBC include:
Having regular breast exams and screenings to detect any changes or abnormalities in the breast tissue
Taking medications and treatments as prescribed by the doctor for any underlying conditions that may affect the breast health, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
Following the doctor’s advice and instructions regarding the use of medications, supplements, or contraceptives that may affect the hormone levels or the risk of breast cancer
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, avoiding drugs, maintaining a normal weight, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet
Seeking medical attention and treatment for any signs or symptoms of IBC or its complications, such as redness, swelling, or pain in the breast
Exploring the available options and seeking professional help and support if IBC affects the emotional, social, or sexual well-being
IBC is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that causes the affected breast to become red, swollen, and warm. With proper diagnosis, treatment, and care, some patients can achieve remission and live longer.
