Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare, aggressive form of breast cancer that can quickly spread to other parts of the body. In the United States, this type of cancer accounts for approximately 1 to 5 percent of all cases of breast cancer, according to health experts at the National Cancer Institute. Women or men who develop any of the early warning signs of inflammatory breast cancer should seek medical care immediately to ensure prompt treatment and care.
Breast Discoloration or Warmth
Initially, a patient's breast tissue can appear unusually discolored. It may develop a red, pink or purple appearance or can look bruised, according to the Mayo Clinic. Affected patients may notice that the discolored breast tissue feels warm to the touch. Certain patients can also experience tenderness, pain or itching of the affected breast. These breast changes typically affect only one breast and can advance quickly over the span of several days or weeks. Patients who develop these early warning signs of inflammatory breast cancer should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Breast Swelling
Fluid can accumulate within the breast as an early warning sign of inflammatory breast cancer. As a result, patients with this disease can notice that the affected breast appears unusually swollen, enlarged or heavy, according to the National Cancer Institute. This early sign of inflammatory breast cancer can also be accompanied by breast skin discoloration or breast tissue tenderness.
Breast Dimpling
The breast tissue of a patient with inflammatory breast cancer can appear unusually dimpled or thick. The breast skin can resemble the skin of an orange, and may be discolored, painful or itchy, according to the American Cancer Society. Unlike patients with more traditional forms of breast cancer, patients with inflammatory breast cancer do not develop unusual lumps within the affected breast. Additionally, certain patients may develop hives or welts across the breast tissue, according to medical experts at the University of San Francisco Medical Center. Patients who develop any of these breast skin changes should seek care from a physician.
Nipple Changes
Inflammatory breast cancer can cause nipple changes to occur in certain patients as an early warning sign of disease, according to the National Cancer Institute. Affected patients may notice that their nipple appears unusually retracted, flat or inverted. Nipple changes may accompany breast pain or discomfort in certain patients. These changes are not normal and should be discussed with a medical professional as soon as possible.
References
- American Cancer Society: Inflammatory Breast Cancer
- University of California San Francisco Medical Center: Breast Cancer--Signs and Symptoms
- National Cancer Institute: Inflammatory Breast Cancer
- Mayo Clinic: Inflammatory Breast Cancer--Symptoms
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation: Typical Symptoms of IBC
