Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an uncommon and aggressive key in of breast cancer.
It can cause the breast to appear red and swollen, giving the appearance of inflammation.
It’s a rare diagnosis in males.IBC is often mistaken for other conditions.
Illustration by Emily Roberts for Verywell Health
It’s important to talk with a healthcare provider if you experience symptoms.
As a result, symptoms develop quickly, sometimes over weeks or months.
IBC may or may not contain a solid tumor that it’s possible for you to feel.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
A study at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute compared genetic changes in IBC with other breast cancers.
More research is needed to confirm and understand the results.
If your breast is swollen, it may be due to fluid buildup, a condition callededema.
These tests include:
Biopsy
If a mass is noted, a breast biopsy may be performed.
There may be different approaches.
Staging
IBC does not always present with a lump like other cancers.
With IBC, the diagnosis itself means there’s beenmetastasis(spread) into other tissues.
Stage 4 cancer is similar to stage 3B, but the cancer has spread to distant body areas.
Treatment
Inflammatory breast cancer is aggressive.
In addition, other medicines may be available in clinical trials.
After treatment, careful monitoring will continue.
Once a biopsy and imaging are complete, IBC can be staged.
Treatment for this throw in of breast cancer can include chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or targeted therapy.
You may also need surgery and radiation to treat IBC.
Many clinical trials are looking into better treatment options for IBC.
While treatment for IBC can be challenging, there are long-term IBC survivors and treatment options continue to evolve.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
National Cancer Institute.Inflammatory breast cancer.
American Cancer Society.What Is Breast Cancer in Men?
2024 Apr 18;22(1):374. doi:10.1186/s12967-024-05198-4
American Cancer Society.Inflammatory Breast Cancer.
2022 Apr;192(2):235-243. doi:10.1007/s10549-021-06434-x.
Steadman JA, Hieken TJ.Advances from targeted therapy for non-metastatic HER2-positive inflammatory breast cancer.J Surg Oncol.
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.Inflammatory breast cancer: 14 things to know.
Moffitt Cancer Center.Inflammatory breast cancer recurrence.
