Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a breast cancer that shows up in a way that is different from most other breast cancers. Instead of having one big lump, it usually affects the skin and underlying breast tissue, so the breast can change in appearance with sudden onset, and rapid progression. The annoying thing is that those early signs of inflammatory breast cancer can get ignored or misread, and then they’re kind of casually blamed on something else like a skin infection or an allergic reaction. So, for breast imaging, it really helps to know what to expect and also to understand when it would be reasonable to get checked, if changes turn up in the breast tissue.

What early signs and symptoms of inflammatory Breast cancer look like?

The inflammatory breast cancer signs are often noticed on the surface of the skin, but they also show up within the breast tissue. Most other breast cancers don’t usually behave this way. There may be a significant difference in the look and feel of the breast, which could be noticed in days or weeks. One of the reasons that makes early recognition so crucial is that the onset of IBC is relatively quick.

Inflammatory breast cancer can be mistaken for non-cancerous disorders, and on visual bases can not confirm a diagnosis, which is why it’s important to seek out the opinion of a medical professional when a breast changes, rather than making self-diagnosis judgments.

Common Visual Changes and Early Signs:

• A breast that appears quite red, especially if it does on a large area, is one of the most common early inflammatory breast cancer symptoms. Redness can be pink, red, or purplish and is typically greater than 1/3 of the breast surface.
• Orange peel skin texture that presents an orange peel pattern, caused when cancer cells block the lymph vessels under the skin, which then dimples and thickens in a pattern.
• swelling in the breast without a definite cause. Usually, the affected breast will be noticeably larger than the other, heavier, and even appear bloated in the absence of a palpable lump.
• A breast may feel warm when touched, and that can suggest IBC is underway; it also makes it pretty easy to mix up IBC with mastitis or another kind of localized infection, even if you are not trying to.  
• The change in breast tissue underneath the skin can lead to inversion, a flattening look, or even nipple discharge.

What are the differences in symptoms of inflammatory Breast Cancer and other types of Breast cancer?

• A major important difference is that there isn’t a lump. It is likely that IBC might be missed during a routine self-examination of the breast, or on a routine mammogram unless it is screened for changes in the skin and tissues.
• One thing that makes IBC different from most other breast cancer conditions is the speed of onset. An infection of the breast is usually related to breastfeeding or is known to come from a wound. These symptoms may occur in non-lactating women and may develop quickly in a few days, and do not have a good response to antibiotics; this is an important clinical clue.
• Rarely, inflammatory breast cancer can show up on both breasts, not just one. When there is some difference in size you can measure it with a ruler; if color seems different, you can see it with the naked eye. 
• If texture feels different, you can feel it. And if the temperature seems different, you might notice it as cold or warm; any one of those changes counts. If any of these contrasts are noticeable then that’s a real difference that needs a professional evaluation rather than a “wait and see” kind of position.
• Not all IBC cases result in pain at the onset and some may not immediately be noticed by the affected person, so they will not seek treatment. The absence of significant discomfort doesn’t mean that the changes are harmless changes in the skin no matter how painful should always be evaluated.

What Warning Signs should NOT be ignored when Breast changes happen quickly?

If the signs of breast cancer come on suddenly, it’s time to get help immediately. If changes occur over a short time days or couple of weeks later the time course is reason by itself to seek medical evaluation. 

Symptoms that might require medical evaluation

• Growth of the breast at an abnormal rate, when pregnancy, weight gain or loss, and injuries are not involved, is a breast cancer warning sign that warrants a visit to the physician. However, in a short period of time, one is more noticeable than the other; this is clinically relevant.
• An unabated inflammatory response which has failed to respond to antibiotic treatment is a clear indication to seek additional microbiological advice. If a doctor suspects a breast infection and after a course of antibiotics of 7-10 days, the skin has not improved, then treatment should be medically considered for further examination for signs of inflammatory breast cancer.
• If you see a change in the texture, or dimples or thickening, without a known non-biological cause, such as injury or previous procedure, it should be assessed quickly. 
• When enlarged lymph nodes are found close to the armpit or collarbone with changes in the breast, it becomes even more urgent to see a doctor and breast tissue becomes more likely to be affected too.

When imaging should be recommended for Breast redness, swelling or skin changes?

Imaging tests for breast abnormalities might be used as part of a comprehensive medical evaluation if the breast symptoms are visible, persistent, or changing quickly. Imaging can not completely replace a doctor’s examination, but rather it is used to add information about changes that can’t be seen on the outside of the body.

Situations that may require diagnostic testing.

• Breast symptoms that would benefit from imaging tests would include those with symptoms that persist beyond one to two weeks without response to antibiotic treatment, especially if there is any change in the texture of the skin, redness, or swelling, that didn’t go away.
• When a physician orders an exam. Imaging for inflammatory breast cancer symptoms after a clinical exam will give the physician a greater amount of detail that will help them to make the next decision in the clinical evaluation process. The preventive breast screening results at ViaScan provide professional guidance, and Dr. John Duncan helps patients and their doctors with information to consider further medical evaluation.

Conclusion

Inflammatory breast cancer is extremely uncommon, but will be very different from other forms of breast cancer and moves quickly. It’s important to always seek advice from a licensed health care provider if any breast changes occur.The most significant things one can do are to have a physician evaluate a patient early and to be aware of symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer. At ViaScan, you can get an early preventative scan for inflammatory breast cancer with a CT scan or a whole body scan service. Please always ask a registered health professional about any treatment relating to health issues. ViaScan of Las Colinas does not offer surgical treatment or hospital-based treatment services.