Approximately 1 to 2 percent of all new cases of invasive breast cancer are caused by a rare, aggressive disease called inflammatory breast cancer, explain medical experts with the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. Unlike more common forms of breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer typically does not result in the appearance of breast lumps or masses. People who notice any of the first signs of inflammatory breast cancer should seek immediate medical care to ensure prompt treatment.
Unusual Breast Enlargement
One of the first signs of inflammatory breast cancer is unusual swelling or enlargement of the affected breast. A person with this disease can notice that the affected breast appears abnormally large when compared to the normal, healthy breast. The affected breast can feel unusually heavy or achy. Breast enlargement typically arises suddenly and may be associated with breast pain, according to the MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Breast Tissue Discoloration or Deformation
Inflammatory breast cancer can cause skin discoloration as a first sign of disease. The affected breast tissue can appear abnormally purple, red or pink in color or may look bruised, reports the National Cancer Institute. People with this condition can also notice that the affected skin is ridged, pitted or deformed. The affected skin typically resembles the skin of an orange, a first sign of inflammatory breast cancer referred to as peau d'orange.
Nipple Inversion
People who develop inflammatory breast cancer can experience unusual nipple changes as a first sign of this disease. The nipple on the affected breast can become flat or may invert into the breast tissue, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some people can also develop unusual discharge from the nipple as a first sign of inflammatory breast cancer.
Breast Warmth or Itching
Breast warmth or itching can arise as first signs of inflammatory breast cancer in certain people. The affected skin region can feel warm or hot to the touch, reports MayoClinic.com. Sensations of itching can cause people to frequently scratch at the affected breast tissue. Scratching can damage the breast tissue and may exacerbate breast tissue discoloration in certain people.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Inflammatory Breast Cancer - Symptoms
- National Cancer Institute: Inflammatory Breast Cancer
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center: Inflammatory Breast Cancer
- MD Anderson Cancer Center: Inflammatory Breast Cancer
- National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.: Inflammatory Breast Cancer
