Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) requires a precise diagnosis and aggressive treatment. The specialized breast clinicians at Penn Medicine 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 care program, from diagnosis to survivorship.
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. It tends to be diagnosed in people assigned female at birth who are younger, African American, overweight, or obese. It can be diagnosed in both genders.
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 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
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.
How is IBC staged?
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.
Treating inflammatory breast cancer
Inflammatory breast cancer is an aggressive cancer, but new treatments, clinical trials, and innovative therapies are helping to improve outcomes. We understand the complexity of an IBC diagnosis, so we get you the care you need as soon as possible with a personalized and effective treatment plan created by your multidisciplinary breast cancer team.
There are a variety of breast cancer treatments offered at Penn Medicine used to treat inflammatory breast cancer.
Why choose Penn Medicine 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 Penn Medicine, 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 is dedicated to the research, treatment, and prevention of BRCA-related cancers, like breast cancer.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.
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