In some cases, these symptoms can come and go and vary in severity or intensity, depending on how quickly the cancer is growing. IBC symptoms tend to be more prominent and severe than those of noninflammatory breast cancers. Common symptoms may include:. IBC symptoms are caused by a blockage of the lymphatic system within the breast, which causes pain and swelling.
Many of these symptoms develop quickly, usually within a period of 3 to 6 months. IBC is a fast-growing, aggressive form of breast cancer. Unlike other types of breast cancer, symptoms of this condition are primarily caused by inflammation, which leads to swelling, pain, redness, and other symptoms.
When the symptoms of IBC appear, they may come and go in the beginning. In fact, some of the symptoms mentioned above can appear suddenly and may be mistaken for another condition with similar symptoms, such as an infection or rash.
However, unlike other conditions that resolve over time with treatment, the symptoms of IBC become worse over a period of weeks or months. Although they may vary in intensity, once the cancer has begun to spread, it will continue to cause pain, swelling, and other symptoms in the affected breast.
There are a handful of other conditions can share symptoms with inflammatory breast cancer, including the following:. Mastitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and infection of the breast tissue. Mastitis most often occurs during breastfeeding, when milk ducts become blocked and milk buildup occurs. Many symptoms of mastitis are similar to those of IBC and may include:. Hormonal changes , such as those that occur before menstruation or during pregnancy, are a common cause of breast pain, breast tenderness, and sudden changes in breast size.
Unlike IBC, these hormonal symptoms are generally mild and are accompanied by other symptoms, such as:. Hormonal changes do not tend to cause some of the other symptoms of IBC, like redness or inflammation.
Dermatitis is an umbrella term for a handful of inflammatory skin conditions that cause symptoms such as redness, itching, peeling, and more. Atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis are the most common types.
Unlike IBC, breast dermatitis tends to affect only the skin of the breast, rather than the underlying breast tissue. Breast injuries that cause trauma to the breast and surrounding areas can cause symptoms that mimic IBC, such as pain, tenderness, and bruising.
Direct physical contact, repetitive movements, and surgery are the most common causes of breast injuries. Sometimes, they can be due to another underlying condition.
The breasts swell and become inflamed because the cancer cells clog the vessels that carry lymph colorless fluid containing white blood cells that circulates throughout the lymphatic system. IBC tends to grow and spread quickly, with symptoms worsening within days or even hours.
Redness of the breast: Redness involving part or all of the breast is a hallmark of inflammatory breast cancer. Sometimes the redness comes and goes. Swelling of the breast: Part of or all of the breast may be swollen, enlarged, and hard. Other skin changes: The skin of the breast might look pink or bruised, or you may have what looks like ridges, welts, or hives on your breast.
Swelling of lymph nodes: The lymph nodes under your arm or above the collarbone may be swollen. Flattening or inversion of the nipple: The nipple may go flat or turn inward. Unfortunately, most of us here are cancer pilgrims and not doctors, so we cannot really tell you what your symptoms might mean. It is not until you have had some tests carried out at the breast clinic that you will be able to tell, so I am glad to hear that your appointment is as soon as next Thursday.
Waiting to be seen is always a worrying time, but try to keep yourself busy meanwhile to distract yourself from the wait. Skip to main content. Post to forum. Search Search forum. Do you have a cancer chat password?
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