Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare, but aggressive, form of breast cancer where the lymph vessels become blocked. There is not usually a lump and it is often difficult to see the signs until the disease is in advanced stages.
Appearance
Redness and swelling of the breast will increase as the disease progresses and the lymph vessels are increasingly blocked. The breast skin will appear pitted (like an orange peel) and may have ridges from the fluid buildup.
Feel
The breast may become tender and even feel heavier (it may also look larger). Painful lymph nodes may appear above the collarbone or under the breast.
Metastasis
In its advanced stages, signs of inflammatory breast cancer may present pain anywhere in the body, as the disease can metastasize (spread) within months or even weeks.
Considerations
Inflammatory breast cancer accounts for less than five percent of breast cancers, but its survival rate is lower than most. Seek a health professional's opinion for any unusual changes in your breast
Warning
Early symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer, such as pain or slight redness, can be mistaken for an infection. If you are diagnosed with a breast infection and symptoms don't improve, let your doctor know.
