No lumps in the breast, but it is red and swollen? Learn about this dangerous cancer (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)

Many of us think that breast cancer is always a lump in the breast. But did you know that there is also a very dangerous type of breast cancer that does not have any lumps, but spreads very quickly? Yes, it is true. This is what we call 'inflammatory breast cancer' or `(Inflammatory Breast Cancer - IBC)`. This is a little rare, but it is also very aggressive. That is why being well-informed about this is very important for your life and the lives of everyone you love.

So, what is Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)?

Simply put, this is a very fast-growing, aggressive form of breast cancer. Normally, cancer cells clump together to form a lump. But here, something different happens. Here, the cancer cells block the lymphatic vessels that are under the skin of your breast. Think of these lymphatic vessels as little drainage systems in our bodies. These are the ones that remove waste from our bodies. So, when cancer cells go and block these drainage systems, the lymph fluid can't flow and gets stuck in one place.

This is how inflammation of the breast occurs when lymph fluid gets stuck in one place. To be precise, it looks like a skin infection. That's why many people confuse it at first. The breast becomes red, swollen, and feels hot. But this is not an infection, it is a much more serious condition.

The most dangerous thing about this cancer is how quickly it spreads. Through these lymphatic channels, cancer cells can quickly spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, and even other organs in the body. Therefore, if you see these symptoms , it is not a good idea to delay at all costs .

Are the symptoms of this different from other breast cancers?

Yes, absolutely. The main and most important difference is that in IBC, there is usually no lump in the breast . Instead, you should be on the lookout for these symptoms that appear very quickly, perhaps within a few weeks.

Let's take a look at the table below to see what these symptoms are. If you have one or more of these, don't ignore it.

Why does something like this happen? What are the reasons?

In fact, doctors have not yet found a specific cause for this cancer. However, they have identified some risk factors.

One of the main risk factors is obesity . Research has shown that if your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher, your risk of developing the disease may be slightly increased. More research is being done on this. It is also being investigated whether there are other genetic or environmental causes.

How does a doctor recognize this?

When you go to see a doctor with the symptoms you mentioned earlier, the first thing he or she will do is examine your breasts carefully. They will ask you a lot of details about your symptoms, such as when they started and how quickly they have increased.

After that, you will be referred for several tests to confirm the disease.

• Mammogram: An X-ray of the breast. This is used to look for things like thickening of the skin and abnormal calcium deposits (calcification).
• Breast Ultrasound: This can detect changes in breast tissue.
• Biopsy: This is the most important and definitive test . In this, a small sample of skin and tissue from your breast is taken and sent to a laboratory to be tested for cancer cells.

If the biopsy confirms that there are cancer cells, they will also look for certain proteins (receptors) on those cells. This information will help your doctor choose the treatment that is best for you.

Tests to see if the cancer has spread

Because IBC is a fast-growing type, the disease may have spread to other parts of the body by the time it is diagnosed. Therefore, you may need to have more tests to see how far the cancer has spread.

• CT scan: To see if the cancer has spread to soft tissues and bones inside the body.
• MRI scan (MRI): See changes in breast tissue more clearly.
• PET scan: A sensitive test that uses a special drug to look for active cancer cells anywhere in the body.
• Bone scan: To check if the cancer has spread to the bones.

What are the treatments for this?

Because IBC is an aggressive cancer, treatment must be aggressive and planned. Doctors usually follow a step-by-step treatment plan. The goal is to completely remove the cancer and prevent it from coming back.

The treatment plan can be divided into three main phases:

1. Neoadjuvant therapy:

This is not the first step in surgery. It is the first step in giving drugs to shrink and destroy cancer cells. This is mainly done with chemotherapy . Chemotherapy is a powerful drug that kills rapidly dividing cells (like cancer cells). Sometimes other drugs that target specific proteins in cancer cells may also be given along with this. The goal of this stage is to shrink the cancer as much as possible before surgery, making the surgery more successful.

2. Surgery:

After chemotherapy, the next step is surgery. In IBC, the usual treatment is a mastectomy, which involves removing the entire breast with the cancer. Along with this, the lymph nodes in the armpit and around the breast are also removed. This is because the cancer spreads to these lymph nodes first.

3. Adjuvant therapy after surgery:

After surgery, this phase is designed to destroy any remaining cancer cells and prevent the cancer from coming back. This may include several more rounds of chemotherapy, radiation therapy , and endocrine therapy. Hormone therapy works by blocking hormones that help cancer grow.

This treatment plan may vary from person to person. Your doctor will carefully study your condition and develop a treatment plan that is best suited for you.

How to stay strong during treatment?

Cancer treatment is very tiring for the body and mind. You may lose your appetite and feel tired all the time. But it is very important to stay strong during this time.

• Eat well: Eat as much good, nutritious food as possible. This will give you the strength to withstand the side effects of treatment.
• Gentle exercise: Engaging in gentle exercise, such as walking and yoga, can help reduce fatigue and relax the mind.
• Palliative care: This is a common misconception. Palliative care does not mean stopping treatment. It is about managing symptoms and side effects such as pain, nausea, and fatigue while you are receiving treatment, and helping you maintain a good quality of life. Ask your doctor about this.

Finally, take care of your breasts.

As a woman, you know that your breasts change over time. It's normal to experience changes in your breasts, such as pain and swelling, during your menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, and at various times.

But the changes caused by Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) are completely different . The changes are very sudden and rapid. The skin of the breast becomes dimpled, orange peel-like, red, and swollen.

It may not be a serious condition. But if it is IBC, starting treatment early can greatly increase your chances of stopping the cancer from spreading and saving your life. Your doctor and cancer care team will explain everything you need to know and help you navigate this journey. Don't be afraid to ask questions and talk about your fears.

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