Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare type of cancer that is aggressive in nature and spreads rapidly. This condition accounts for approximately 1 percent of all breast cancer cases diagnosed in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. During the progression of this disease, the cancer cells begin to block the vessels of the lymphatic vessels located in the skin of the breast. Symptoms of IBC mimic symptoms associated with inflammation of tissue rather than forming a tumor or lump in the breast tissue, possibly delaying a correct diagnosis.
Enlarged Breast
With IBC, one breast begins to swell. The swelling happens quickly and one breast appears much larger than the other breast. The change in breast size occurs in a matter of days or weeks, according to the Mayo Clinic. The enlarged breast also feels heavier to the affected individual.
Skin Changes
The skin on the breast changes in several different ways with IBC. The most common skin change occurs in the coloring. The normal flesh color appears reddened. The discoloration may look pink, purple or a deep red color. The skin may also look bruised. The texture of the skin might change with IBC. Instead of smooth-looking and -feeling skin on the breast, the skin takes on a rough, thickened appearance. The skin may resemble the skin on an orange and look pitted or dimpled. The thickened skin may also have ridges, according to the American Cancer Society. The areas with skin changes may feel warm to the touch, much like an infection in the breast.
Pain and Itching
Irritation in the skin and breast tissue might occur for an individual affected by IBC. The skin on the breast may itch and feel uncomfortable. The breast may be painful. The pain varies between tenderness when touched to severe, sharp pain. The breast tissue may also cause a generalized ache.
Nipple Changes
The areola may change with IBC. The nipple can flatten or invert into the breast. The skin on the areola may have the same changes as the skin on the rest of the breast.
Lymph Node Enlargement
The lymph nodes, part of the immune system, help fight off infections in the body. The nodes connect throughout the body with lymphatic vessels -- the same vessels that become blocked with IBC. The lymph nodes under the arms and around the collarbone enlarge due to the cancer.
