Inflammatory Breast Cancer: What You Need to Know
The inflammatory breast cancer is a rare but particularly aggressive form of cancer, which corresponds approximately to 1-5% of breast cancer cases. Unlike other types, it occurs more often in younger women and to womens with increased body weight. It is often diagnosed at an advanced stage: about 1 in 3 women already has it metastases in other organs during diagnosis.
Symptoms and Clinical Presentation
The disease develops rapidly, within 3 to 6 months, and is characterized by signs of inflammation, but without infection. The main symptoms include:
- Diffuse redness in the breast
- Οίδημα (swelling)
- Thickening of the skin, resembling “orange peel” (peau d’orange)
- A sensation of warmth or tenderness
This image is often confused with infectious mastitis, which can delay the correct diagnosis. The lack of a characteristic mass or tumor on mammography or ultrasound further complicates the diagnosis early detection.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of inflammatory cancer is based on a combination of:
- Clinical examination
- Imaging tests (mammography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging)
- Biopsy of the skin or breast tissue
Because it is rarely detected with standard imaging,increased clinical suspicion and timely referral to a specialized center are crucial.
Treatment
Treatment is multifactorial and usually begins with preoperative chemotherapy. The goal is to reduce the extent of the disease and improve the likelihood of successful surgical treatment.
Subsequently, the following treatments are performed:
- Mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection
- Postoperative radiotherapy
- If required, it is administered hormone therapy or targeted therapy depending on the tumor profile
This approach is based on international guidelines and seeks to best possible prognosis for a particularly demanding form of cancer.
Conclusion
Inflammatory breast cancer is a emergency oncological condition that requires immediate diagnosis and specialized treatment. Knowledge of the symptoms and awareness among women and healthcare professionals can make a difference in the outcome of the disease.
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Sources:
- National Cancer Institute – Inflammatory Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ)
- American Cancer Society – Inflammatory Breast Cancer
- NCCN Guidelines – Breast Cancer, 2024 Edition
- Cardoso et al., ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, 2023
