Inflammatory breast cancer is rare condition in which rapidly advancing, invasive breast cancer causes the breast to appear inflamed. The breast may be red and is warmer than normal to the touch. The skin on the breast may be raised, ridged, or welt-like, or have a pitted appearance similar to that of an orange peal. The breast takes this look because the cancer, instead of growing like a lump, has grown along tiny filtration channels called lymph vessels in the skin of the breast. Some patients experience a reaction to the cancer cells that causes the breast to look inflamed and swollen, but it is very important to differentiate this condition from mastitis or breast infection , as the inflammation represents a serious and aggressive type of cancer.

Symptoms of inflamed breast due to cancer can arise quickly. In some cases the breast becomes thickened and painful or has a discharge.

Care: If these symptoms occur, see a physician for evaluation.Treatment for inflammatory breast cancer will include some combination of surgery , radiation therapy, and chemotherapy .