Inflammatory Breast Cancer Symptoms
Unlike other forms of breast cancer that can slowly form a lump in the breast, inflammatory breast cancer is characterized by physical symptoms that develop rapidly. The changes are caused by cancer cells that block the flow of lymph fluid through the breast tissue. Signs of inflammatory breast cancer include:
- Visible enlargement of one breast.
- Breast discoloration: The breast may turn red, purple, or pink, indicating that bruising or inflammation is present.
- Visible breast skin changes, including thicker breast skin, skin that looks pitted like an orange peel, and possible dimples or ridges in the skin.
- Tenderness, pain, heaviness, and/or aching.
Mastitis or Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Because these symptoms resemble a breast infection known as mastitis, inflammatory breast cancer is often misdiagnosed. Mastitis is treated with antibiotics. If the symptoms don’t go away quickly or worsen after antibiotic treatment, it’s important that you see an inflammatory breast cancer specialist immediately.
Hormone Receptor Status
Certain proteins that fuel cancer growth may be present when inflammatory breast cancer occurs. The hormone receptor status of your breast cancer determines the best approach to treatment. Breast cancer subtypes such as hormone-positive, HER2, and triple-negative breast cancers are more likely to occur in Inflammatory breast cancer. Your doctor will perform several tests on the tumors to determine if your cancer is:
- Estrogen receptor positive (ER+)
- Progesterone receptor positive (PR+)
- HER2 positive (HER2 is a specific protein)
- Triple-negative (estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 are not present)
Metastatic Inflammatory Breast Cancer
If cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it is called metastatic breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer can spread quickly. Seek care from a specialist if inflammatory breast cancer symptoms last longer than one week.
Recurrent Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Inflammatory breast cancer can return at any time. Scheduling regular follow-up appointments for physical exams and imaging with an inflammatory breast cancer specialist can catch recurring breast cancer early and ensure treatment is started immediately.