Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Inflammatory breast cancer is an aggressive form of breast cancer, but several treatment options exist to fight it. It’s one of the less common breast cancer types — contributing to less than 5% of all breast cancers diagnosed.

What Is Inflammatory Breast Cancer?

When most people think of breast cancer, they think of lumps made up of cancer cells.

With inflammatory breast cancer, circumstances are slightly different. Rather than a lump, the affected breast appears inflamed. This is because cancer cells are blocking the lymphatic vessels surrounding the breast. The breast will look swollen, red or have a characteristic “orange peel” look due to skin thickening.

This form is aggressive, growing and spreading faster than other breast cancer types. Inflammatory breast cancer also tends to affect a younger age group, mostly diagnosed in people ages 40 and younger. Like other types, it is considered a form of invasive breast cancer — but there are distinctions in symptoms and treatments.

Signs & Symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Inflammatory breast cancer typically doesn’t lead to a lump in the breast — one of the most well-known signs of breast cancer. Instead, many of the symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer are sensations and changes to how the breast looks. Signs of inflammatory breast cancer can include:

 

  • Rapid breast changes: The overall look of the breast will change quickly, usually taking place over a few weeks.
  • Sensory changes to the breast: Feeling heaviness, itchiness, thickness or warmth in the breast.
  • Visual breast changes: Discoloration that makes the breast appear red, pink or purple. It may also look like a bruise or a rash spread over a section of the breast.
  • “Orange peel”: The breast skin can dimple or have a pitting effect that makes it look like an orange peel.  
  • Enlarged lymph nodes: The lymph nodes under the armpit or near the collarbone can become swollen.
  • Nipple changes: The nipple may begin to point inward, also called an inverted or retracted nipple.

 

Additionally, inflammatory breast cancer can be confused for a breast infection. Though breast infections are much more common than inflammatory breast cancer, it’s important to see a breast surgeon for closer examination if you’re experiencing a persistent breast infection.

How Is Inflammatory Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

If inflammatory breast cancer is suspected, your doctor may complete several tests to rule out or diagnose it, including: 

Physical Exam 

A provider will look at your breast for any changes that may indicate inflammatory breast cancer and rule out any other conditions that could cause breast inflammation, such as mastitis. 

Mammogram and Other Imaging

Several imaging tests may be used to diagnose the condition. The most common is the mammogram, which is an X-ray that creates an image of the inside of the breast, including breast calcifications and breast thickening. Ultrasound also may be used, which takes an image using sound waves. It may be difficult to distinguish inflammatory breast cancer from other forms of breast infection on images.

Biopsy

The two types of biopsies used to diagnose this type of cancer are breast biopsy and skin punch biopsy. A breast biopsy takes a sample of breast tissue, whereas the skin punch biopsy will take a sample of breast skin. Biopsy is currently the best way to confirm a diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer.  

If inflammatory breast cancer is diagnosed, molecular testing will be used to determine its receptor subtype — whether hormone receptors, such as estrogen receptor (ER) or progesterone receptor (PR), or another receptor called HER2, are present on the surface of cancer cells. Knowing this information helps identify which therapies might be most helpful during treatment.

Who Is Most at Risk of Inflammatory Breast Cancer?

Risk factors for inflammatory breast cancer can include: 

 

  • Age: This type of breast cancer typically  affects women age 40 and younger
  • Gender: Women are more affected by this type of cancer than men, although both genders can develop the condition. 
  • Race: African-American women are more at risk than women of other races.
  • Weight: Being overweight or experiencing obesity can increase the risk of being diagnosed with this type of breast cancer. 
 

Treatment Options

Inflammatory breast cancer is aggressive and treatment plans usually include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy, also called chemo, are medicines used to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be administered via an IV or as a pill. Chemotherapy may be used to shrink cells before surgery, so the cancer is easier to remove during surgery, or to kill any cells that remain after surgery.

Mastectomy

Mastectomy surgery removes the entire breast affected by the condition. The lymph nodes may also be removed. Given the nature of inflammatory breast cancer, breast-conserving procedures, such as lumpectomies, often aren’t possible. 

Radiation

Radiation therapy, which uses powerful X-ray technology, is often used after surgery to target any cancer cells that may remain.

Targeted therapy

These types of medicines target specific features of cancer cells. Inflammatory breast cancer treatment plans may contain targeted therapy if the cancer cells contain the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, HER2. Targeted therapy may be combined with chemotherapy before surgery. The treatment also may be used after surgery along with hormone therapy.

Hormone therapy

If molecular testing uncovers that the cancer cells contain estrogen or progesterone receptors, hormone therapy can be used to help block these hormones from assisting cancer growth. Such medications may help prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body or may be used after surgery to keep cancer from recurring.

Immunotherapy

This type of treatment helps your immune system find and target cancer. Immunotherapy may be an option for inflammatory breast cancer if it is triple-negative, meaning cancer cells do not contain HER2 or hormone receptors.

FAQs About Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Is inflammatory breast cancer survivable?

Inflammatory breast cancer is aggressive, but several treatment options exist to fight it. Treatment outcomes are primarily based on the stage of the cancer at time of diagnosis and the cancer’s receptor subtype. Talking with your provider when you notice any changes to your breasts can potentially help with getting treatment as quickly as possible.

Outcomes are also influenced by a patient’s compliance with their care plan. It’s important to understand that, while you can’t change your diagnosis, you can influence breast cancer treatment. Following your doctor’s treatment guidance is paramount.

Does inflammatory breast cancer hurt?

Symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer can include sensory symptoms, where the breast may feel tender or heavy. People with this condition may also feel that their breast feels itchy, thick or warm.

Can inflammatory breast cancer be cured?

Inflammatory breast cancer is aggressive and tends to be diagnosed at later stages than some other forms of breast cancer, but it’s still treatable.

Talking with your provider as soon as you notice breast changes may help you get treatment sooner when the condition may be easier to treat. 

Does inflammatory breast cancer itch?

Yes, it can. Other sensory-type symptoms can include the breast feeling heavy, thick, warm to the touch or tender.

Is inflammatory breast cancer hereditary?

Researchers have not identified a genetic mutation that can cause inflammatory breast cancer, specifically. As with other types of breast cancer, a family history may increase your overall risk, as does having mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. But a genetic component specific to this type of breast cancer has not been identified. 

How fast does inflammatory breast cancer spread?

The signs of inflammatory breast cancer can develop quickly, with symptoms progressing from three to six weeks or up to three months. 

Are there different stages of inflammatory breast cancer?

Yes, inflammatory breast cancer is staged similarly to other types of breast cancer. Because the breast skin has been affected, inflammatory breast cancer is usually stage III or IV at diagnosis.

Why Choose Houston Methodist as Your Cancer Care Provider

Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center is where innovation meets personalized treatment — offering compassionate, expert cancer care. Our breast cancer specialists employ some of the most advanced, cutting-edge techniques in the country.

At Houston Methodist, you're not just a patient — you're part of a family united in the fight against breast cancer. You can trust our team to provide top-tier medical care and unwavering support every step of the way.