Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) requires a precise diagnosis and aggressive treatment. The specialized breast clinicians at the Abramson Cancer Center have expertise in every type of breast cancer. We understand the nature of IBC and provide you with the innovative and effective treatment you need through our Breast Cancer Program.
What Is Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)?
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and aggressive type of invasive breast cancer affecting the skin of the breast. It accounts for one to five percent of all breast cancer cases. IBC may grow and spread (metastasize) more quickly than other types of breast cancer.
The breast cancer risk factors associated with IBC differ from the risks of other types of breast cancer. IBC tends to be diagnosed in younger women and also affects men. African American women are at a higher risk for IBC, as are women who are overweight or obese.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer Symptoms
The first signs of IBC are not typical breast cancer symptoms. IBC rarely includes a distinct breast lump. Instead, people with IBC may notice reddening and/or swelling of the breast as cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin. The signs of IBC may be mistaken for an infection. But these symptoms do not respond to antibiotics and typically worsen quickly. Indicators of IBC include:
- Redness and swelling (edema) of the breast, which may develop rapidly
- Discoloration or redness of breast skin on more than one-third of the breast
Dimpling or thickening of skin resembling an orange peel
- Changes in breast shape
- Breast or nipple pain
- Discharge from the nipple
- Retracted or inverted nipple
- Tenderness, warmth, pain or itchiness in the breast
- Lymph node swelling in the armpit or near the collarbone
Inflammatory Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Staging
Since IBC does not cause a breast lump, it may not show up during routine breast cancer screening. Often, IBC is not diagnosed until symptoms appear. If your physician suspects cancer, breast imaging and a biopsy may confirm a diagnosis of IBC.
At the time of diagnosis, IBC is by definition locally advanced and, therefore, typically identified as stage III, but may be considered metastatic (stage IV) breast cancer if cancer cells have spread outside the breast. One out of every three cases of IBC are stage IV at the time of diagnosis. Pathologists and diagnostic experts at Penn Medicine will work with you to ensure a precise breast cancer diagnosis and breast cancer staging.
IBC Prognosis
Inflammatory breast cancer is an aggressive cancer that has a 5-year survival rate of about 50%. However, new treatments and clinical trials are helping to improve outcomes. Prognosis is dependent on diagnosis and treatment options. Your health care provider can go over the specific details of your prognosis and treatment plan.
Treating Inflammatory Breast Cancer at Penn Medicine
We understand the complexity of an IBC diagnosis. To address this aggressive form of breast cancer, we get you the care you need as soon as possible. Your multidisciplinary breast cancer team creates a treatment plan that is both personalized and effective. Treatment for inflammatory breast cancer may include standard treatments and innovative new therapies for IBC.
There are a variety of breast cancer treatments offered at Penn Medicine through the Abramson Cancer Center, including the following often used to treat inflammatory breast cancer:
Why Choose the Abramson Cancer Center for Inflammatory Breast Cancer?
Our specialized breast cancer team knows how to care for rare breast cancers such as IBC. Our in-depth cancer knowledge translates to accurate diagnosis and innovative breast cancer treatment. At the Abramson Cancer Center, you’ll find:
- Advanced imaging: Our expert radiologists rely on the newest breast imaging technology, such as 3D mammograms and breast MRI, to diagnose IBC quickly.
- Comprehensive care: We provide personalized care for every stage of breast cancer. Our breast cancer research and clinical trials give you access to the newest treatments for IBC and metastatic breast cancer.
- Wide-ranging support: Our integrative oncology and breast cancer support services supplement your treatment. We provide relief and assistance when you need it most.
- World-class care close to home: For your convenience, we offer breast cancer care at all Penn Medicine breast cancer locations. Specialists across the network collaborate to provide you with the best possible treatment.
- Groundbreaking research on inherited cancer: The Basser Center for BRCA at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is dedicated to the research, treatment and prevention of BRCA-related cancers, like breast cancer.
Request an Appointment
To make an appointment, please call 800-789-7366 or request a callback.