Inflammatory Breast Cancer Treatment | I D Cancer Center Lucknow
Overview
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is a rare but highly aggressive form of breast cancer that grows quickly and often does not present as a typical breast lump. Instead, it causes inflammation, redness, swelling, and changes in the skin of the breast—often mistaken for an infection.
Because symptoms develop rapidly, early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial. At I D Cancer Center, we offer fast-track evaluation, advanced imaging, biopsy, and comprehensive multimodality treatment following NCCN/ESMO guidelines.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is a rare but highly aggressive form of breast cancer that grows quickly and often does not present as a typical breast lump. Instead, it causes inflammation, redness, swelling, and changes in the skin of the breast—often mistaken for an infection.
Because symptoms develop rapidly, early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial. At I D Cancer Center, we offer fast-track evaluation, advanced imaging, biopsy, and comprehensive multimodality treatment following NCCN/ESMO guidelines.
Why Is IBC Different?
Unlike most breast cancers:
No palpable lump may be present
Redness and swelling cover more than one-third of the breast
Progression is rapid (weeks)
Peau d’orange (orange peel-like skin) appearance is common
High chance of lymph node involvement at diagnosis
IBC must be treated as an oncologic emergency.
Unlike most breast cancers:
No palpable lump may be present
Redness and swelling cover more than one-third of the breast
Progression is rapid (weeks)
Peau d’orange (orange peel-like skin) appearance is common
High chance of lymph node involvement at diagnosis
IBC must be treated as an oncologic emergency.
Signs & Symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer
If you notice any of the following that persist for more than 1–2 weeks, seek immediate medical care:
If you notice any of the following that persist for more than 1–2 weeks, seek immediate medical care:
Common Symptoms
Rapid swelling of the breast
Redness or pink/bluish discoloration
Warmth and pain in the breast
Skin thickening or dimpling
Peau d’orange appearance
Enlarged lymph nodes under the arm or collarbone
Flattened or inverted nipple
Breast feels heavy, tender, or itchy
These signs may mimic infection, but infections usually improve quickly—IBC does not.
Rapid swelling of the breast
Redness or pink/bluish discoloration
Warmth and pain in the breast
Skin thickening or dimpling
Peau d’orange appearance
Enlarged lymph nodes under the arm or collarbone
Flattened or inverted nipple
Breast feels heavy, tender, or itchy
These signs may mimic infection, but infections usually improve quickly—IBC does not.
Causes & Risk Factors
Risk factors include:
Female gender
Younger age compared to other breast cancers
Family history
Obesity
BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic mutations
IBC is not contagious and cannot be prevented, but early detection improves outcomes.
Risk factors include:
Female gender
Younger age compared to other breast cancers
Family history
Obesity
BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic mutations
IBC is not contagious and cannot be prevented, but early detection improves outcomes.
Diagnosis at I D Cancer Center
Because IBC develops rapidly, we prioritize fast and accurate diagnosis.
Because IBC develops rapidly, we prioritize fast and accurate diagnosis.
1. Clinical Breast Examination
Detailed evaluation of skin changes, swelling, and lymph nodes.
Detailed evaluation of skin changes, swelling, and lymph nodes.
2. Imaging Tests
Ultrasound of breast and axilla
Mammography (skin thickening patterns)
MRI Breast (high sensitivity)
PET-CT for staging and treatment planning
Ultrasound of breast and axilla
Mammography (skin thickening patterns)
MRI Breast (high sensitivity)
PET-CT for staging and treatment planning
3. Biopsy
Core needle biopsy of breast tissue
Skin punch biopsy (if needed)
Lymph node biopsy
Core needle biopsy of breast tissue
Skin punch biopsy (if needed)
Lymph node biopsy
4. Pathology & Molecular Testing
ER/PR/HER2 receptor testing
Ki-67 proliferation index
Genetic and molecular profiling (if required)
Fast confirmation allows early treatment initiation.
ER/PR/HER2 receptor testing
Ki-67 proliferation index
Genetic and molecular profiling (if required)
Fast confirmation allows early treatment initiation.
Treatment Options
IBC requires multimodality treatment, not a single therapy.
IBC requires multimodality treatment, not a single therapy.
⭐ 1. Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (First Step)
Given before surgery to shrink disease and control spread.
Common regimen:
Anthracycline + Taxane–based chemotherapy
HER2-targeted therapy for HER2-positive cases:
Trastuzumab
Pertuzumab
Given before surgery to shrink disease and control spread.
Common regimen:
Anthracycline + Taxane–based chemotherapy
HER2-targeted therapy for HER2-positive cases:
Trastuzumab
Pertuzumab
⭐ 2. Surgery
Performed after chemotherapy when swelling & inflammation reduce:
Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM)
Axillary lymph node dissection
Breast-conserving surgery is not recommended for IBC.
Performed after chemotherapy when swelling & inflammation reduce:
Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM)
Axillary lymph node dissection
Breast-conserving surgery is not recommended for IBC.
⭐ 3. Radiation Therapy
Essential part of treatment to reduce recurrence.
At I D Cancer Center, we use:
IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy)
IGRT (Image-Guided Radiotherapy)
VMAT (Volumetric Arc Therapy)
Benefits:
Better coverage of chest wall & lymph nodes
Reduced dose to heart & lungs
Improved cosmetic outcomes
Lower recurrence risk
Essential part of treatment to reduce recurrence.
At I D Cancer Center, we use:
IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy)
IGRT (Image-Guided Radiotherapy)
VMAT (Volumetric Arc Therapy)
Benefits:
Better coverage of chest wall & lymph nodes
Reduced dose to heart & lungs
Improved cosmetic outcomes
Lower recurrence risk
⭐ 4. Targeted Therapy
Based on HER2 status:
Trastuzumab
Pertuzumab
Ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) for residual disease
Based on HER2 status:
Trastuzumab
Pertuzumab
Ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) for residual disease
⭐ 5. Hormonal Therapy
For ER/PR-positive tumors:
Tamoxifen
Aromatase inhibitors
For ER/PR-positive tumors:
Tamoxifen
Aromatase inhibitors
⭐ 6. Immunotherapy (Selected Cases)
For triple-negative IBC:
Pembrolizumab (in combination with chemo)
For triple-negative IBC:
Pembrolizumab (in combination with chemo)
Living with Inflammatory Breast Cancer
We provide complete support throughout the journey:
Nutritional and lifestyle guidance
Pain and symptom management
Psychosocial counseling
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
Lymphedema prevention and care
Survivorship planning
Follow-up schedules for long-term monitoring
Many patients achieve good outcomes when treated promptly.
We provide complete support throughout the journey:
Nutritional and lifestyle guidance
Pain and symptom management
Psychosocial counseling
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
Lymphedema prevention and care
Survivorship planning
Follow-up schedules for long-term monitoring
Many patients achieve good outcomes when treated promptly.
Why Choose I D Cancer Center?
Led by Dr. Sunil Kumar, expert radiation oncologist
Multidisciplinary tumour board opinions
Advanced imaging: MRI breast, PET-CT
Modern radiotherapy (IMRT/IGRT/VMAT)
Access to latest targeted and immune therapies
Compassionate, patient-centered care
Convenient location in Sushant Golf City, Lucknow
Led by Dr. Sunil Kumar, expert radiation oncologist
Multidisciplinary tumour board opinions
Advanced imaging: MRI breast, PET-CT
Modern radiotherapy (IMRT/IGRT/VMAT)
Access to latest targeted and immune therapies
Compassionate, patient-centered care
Convenient location in Sushant Golf City, Lucknow
