Overview
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that affects the breast tissue. It is characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal cells that can block the lymphatic vessels in the skin, causing the skin on the breast to become swollen and red or purple. Inflammatory breast cancer is often mistaken for other conditions, such as mastitis or cellulitis, which are common infections that can cause breast swelling and pain.
Types of Inflammatory Breast Cancer
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: This type of inflammatory breast cancer starts in the milk ducts and invades the surrounding tissue.
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma: This type of inflammatory breast cancer starts in the milk-producing glands and invades the surrounding tissue.
- Mixed-Type Carcinoma: This type of inflammatory breast cancer is a combination of invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma.
Causes of Inflammatory Breast Cancer
- Genetic Mutations: Genetic mutations can increase the risk of developing inflammatory breast cancer.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalances, particularly high levels of estrogen and progesterone, can contribute to the development of inflammatory breast cancer.
- Breast Density: Women with dense breasts may be at a higher risk of developing inflammatory breast cancer.
- Previous Breast Radiation: Women who have received radiation therapy to the breast may be at a higher risk of developing inflammatory breast cancer.
Risk Factors of Inflammatory Breast Cancer
- Family History: Having a family history of breast cancer increases the risk of developing inflammatory breast cancer.
- Age: Inflammatory breast cancer is more common in women over 50 years old.
- Previous Breast Cancer: Women who have had previous breast cancer may be at a higher risk of developing inflammatory breast cancer.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy: Women who have used hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be at a higher risk of developing inflammatory breast cancer.
Symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer
1. Breast Swelling: The most common symptom of inflammatory breast cancer is breast swelling, which can occur rapidly over a few weeks.
2. Skin Changes: The skin on the affected breast may become red, purple, or orange due to the blockage of lymphatic vessels.
3. Pain: Breast pain or tenderness can occur in some cases.
4. Nipple Retraction: The nipple may become retracted or inverted due to the growth of abnormal cells.
Preventions of Inflammatory Breast Cancer
- Regular Screening: Regular screening mammograms can help detect inflammatory breast cancer early.
- Breast Self-Awareness: Practicing regular self-exams can help detect changes in the breasts.
- Healthy Diet: Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce the risk of developing inflammatory breast cancer.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of developing inflammatory breast cancer.
Diagnosis of Inflammatory Breast Cancer
- Physical Examination: A physical examination is performed to assess the appearance and size of the affected breast.
- Mammography: A mammogram is performed to visualize the internal structures of the affected breast.
- Biopsy: A biopsy is performed to remove tissue samples from the affected area for further examination.
- Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI scans may be performed to assess the extent of the tumor.
Treatment for Inflammatory Breast Cancer
- Surgery: Surgical removal of the affected breast tissue is often necessary.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be used to reduce the size of the tumor before surgery.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy may be used to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery.
- Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy may be used to reduce the production of estrogen and progesterone hormones.
When to seek medical attention ?
If you are experiencing symptoms such as rapid breast swelling, skin changes, or pain in your breasts, it is recommended to see a doctor for an evaluation. Early detection and treatment can help improve outcomes for patients with inflammatory breast cancer.
