Inflammatory breast cancer symptoms: What to know

Inflammatory breast cancer makes up 1-5% of invasive breast cancers, so it is rare.

But inflammatory breast cancer is very aggressive, and its symptoms can easily be confused with other, more minor illnesses. So it’s important to recognize the signs of inflammatory breast cancer and take action right away.  

“Even though it’s uncommon, inflammatory breast cancer is very serious, so you have to rule out that risk before you assume the problem is something less concerning,” says Wendy Woodward, M.D., Ph.D., professor in MD Anderson’s Radiation Oncology Department.

Symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer

Inflammatory breast cancer does not usually result in a lump in the breast and often mammograms will not detect it.

That’s because the cancer cells grow as smaller clusters instead of as one big mass. These clusters get into the lymph vessels of the breast and clog them, so inflammatory breast cancer often looks like an infection.

“Many times patients will be diagnosed with mastitis or some other infection,” says Woodward. “They’ll be given antibiotics before a diagnosis of cancer.

If you have any of these inflammatory breast cancer symptoms, talk to your doctor right away:

• Breast swelling that appears suddenly with one breast much larger than the other
• Persistent, unexplained itching of the breast
• Pink, red, or dark area on the breast, sometimes with dimpling of the breast skin that looks like an orange peel (called peau d’orange)
• Ridges and thickened areas of the skin on the breast
• Breast that feels warm to the touch
• Flattened or retracted nipple
• Breast pain or tenderness

“If you are given a short course of antibiotics for one of these symptoms, and it’s not clearly better in five or 10 days, your doctor needs to do more investigation right away,” says Woodward.

That should include a mammogram and ultrasound. If the mammogram is negative but the problem persists, an MRI or biopsies of the red or swollen skin also should be done.

“It’s helpful if patients can advocate for themselves,” says Woodward. “Don’t allow the work-up to stop at antibiotics or a mammogram. If your symptoms come back or are not improving, insist on reimaging like an MRI.”

Who is at risk for inflammatory breast cancer?

There are certain groups of women who seem to be more likely to get inflammatory breast cancer:

• Inflammatory breast cancer often affects women under 40.
• Race may also play a part in risk for inflammatory breast cancer. Some studies suggest African American women are more at risk for inflammatory breast cancer.
• Women who are obese are at higher risk for inflammatory breast cancer.

You can lower your risk for inflammatory breast cancer and breast cancer in general by following a healthy lifestyle. Eat a plant-based diet and get at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise.

You can also choose to breastfeed, try to stay lean after menopause and limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Talk to your doctor to see if you are at high risk for breast cancer. Some women may be referred for genetic counseling or other medical exams.