Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Inflammatory breast cancer, or IBC as it is commonly called, is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that accounts for approximately 1%-5% of all breast cancer cases.  Typically, the onset of IBC is marked by a red lump on the breast that grows and spreads rapidly.  As one of the more aggressive forms of cancer, an awareness of the symptoms and stages of IBC as well as seeking medical attention early is crucial in increasing the chances of a positive course of treatment.

Unlike most other forms of breast cancer that begin as a lump or tumor, IBC most often begins as a feeling of heaviness in the breast.  In addition, redness of the breast, inverted nipples, an orange peel like texture to the skin, and aching are all symptoms that may appear.  In response to these various symptoms, a  biopsy will be performed to determine whether or not IBC is present. If the cancer is present, your doctor will order additional tests such as a chest x-ray, bone scan, or CT scan to determine the stage of your cancer.  Depending on whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the cancer will be categorized as one of these three stages:

1. Stage IIIB: the cancer has spread to areas near the breast such as the skin or chest wall and may have possible spread to the lymph nodes under the arm.


2. Stage IIIC: the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes around the neck and under the collarbone and may have spread to the lymph nodes around the breast or under the arm.


3. Stage IV:  the cancer has spread to other organs in the body such as the lungs, bones, liver or lymph nodes in the neck.

Depending on the stage of the cancer, your doctor may recommend various treatments depending on their effectiveness for your particular case.  Most often, chemotherapy and targeted treatments are performed before any surgery.  Studies have shown that for IBC, performing these two treatments before surgery is more effective than operating first.  After successfully completing chemotherapy and specific targeted treatments, a surgeon will most likely perform a full mastectomy to remove the breast and lymph nodes under the arm. After the surgery, your doctor may prescribe radiation treatment to help eliminate any cancer cells that may still be present in your body.

Living with IBC can be particularly frightening due to its aggressive nature and tendency to advance more quickly than other forms of cancer.  Thankfully, much has been learned about treating IBC and the aforementioned course of treatment has shown promise in managing the disease. With a focus on providing the highest quality care available, our physicians at Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic realize that each case of IBC is unique and are committed to working with you each step of the way in order to develop the best course of treatment and outcome for your particular case.

Other Helpful Information

• Stages of Breast Cancer
• Breast Cancer Screening
• Diagnosing Breast Cancer
• Types of Breast Cancer