Inflammatory Breast Cancer Symptoms

Inflammatory breast cancer, or IBC for short, is a rare type of breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer produces symptoms that are different than more common types of breast cancer, debunking the breast cancer myth that all breast cancers have lumps.

Normally, it is the symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer that prompt a woman to see her doctor. Unfortunately, IBC mimics the symptoms of mastitis, a breast infection, so there may a delay in diagnosis.

The general rule is that if you are being treated for mastitis and are not responding to antibiotics after a week, consult your doctor for possible IBC screening.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Symptoms

• inverted nipple
  
• orange peel like appearance on or around the breast; dimpling
  
• breast that is warm to the touch
  
• breast that is itchy
  
• painful or sore breast
  
• sudden increase in breast size
  
• change in color of breast; darker, red in appearance, or bruised
  
• nipple discharge

What to Do If You Have Inflammatory Breast Cancer Symptoms

Do not delay in seeking an examination from your doctor. IBC is a very rare, yet aggressive form of breast cancer that is often diagnosed in the later stages. The earlier it is diagnosed, the better survival rate.