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Comprising 1–5% of all breast cancer cases,inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive and rare form of the disease. IBC does not typically develop a clear lump, unlike most breast cancers. Rather, it spreads quickly, and since cancer cells block lymph channels in the skin, the breast looks red, puffy, and inflammatory.
Common complaints are fast breast swelling, skin thickening like an orange peel (peau d'orange), warmth, discomfort, and nipple inversion. These symptoms could be misinterpreted as mastitis or another illness, so delaying diagnosis.
Physical examination, imaging tests (mammogram, ultrasonic scan, MRI), and a biopsy all play a part in diagnosis. Usually diagnosed as stage III or IV, IBC's aggressive character and possible lymph node involvement classify it.
Usually starting with chemotherapy to reduce the malignancy, treatment then moves to surgery—usually mastectomy—and radiation therapy. Depending on receptor status (ER, PR, HER2), hormone treatment and focused therapies could be applied.
Early detection and quick, forceful treatment are absolutely vital given its rapid development. While difficult to cure, developments in multimodal therapy have enhanced results. Timeliness of medical attention depends on knowledge of IBC's unique symptoms.