Inflammatory Breast Cancer Program

IBC can start with your breast swelling (getting bigger). Or it can start as a red rash that grows fast. IBC symptoms can look like an infection. That’s why some doctors do not test for cancer right away. 

MSK is a national leader in treating inflammatory breast cancer. For every 100 people with breast cancer, only 1 to 5 people will have IBC. Our program doctors know the rare signs of IBC and will make a care plan just for you. 

We start with giving you a precise diagnosis. We’ll diagnose IBC through a physical exam and imaging.

We may do a breast biopsy to get more information. The biopsy results will help guide your care. 

Our care team of experts is here for you. They’ll make the best care plan for you, treat side effects, and support your recovery. 

Your diagnosis process may start when you see changes in how your breast looks and feels. Your healthcare provider may notice signs of IBC during a physical exam. 

IBC can cause symptoms of inflammation. Tell your healthcare provider right away if all of a sudden your breast:

• Looks red.
• Looks dimpled (like the skin of an orange).
• Feels itchy, warm, or very engorged (hard). 

Your healthcare provider will schedule you for tests. These may include a physical exam, imaging tests, or a biopsy. MSK uses the latest imaging equipment, including advanced machines that many local community hospitals do not have.

You may already have learned you have IBC. If so, we’ll set up a personal plan for imaging tests to confirm your diagnosis. We’ll learn more about the cancer and whether it has spread. 

• Mammogram is an imaging test that uses low-dose X-rays.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging test that takes a fast series of X-ray pictures. The pictures are put together to create detailed images of the area that was scanned. These images help your care team make a treatment plan.
• Positron emission tomography (PET)-CT scan. Your healthcare provider may have you get a PET scan at the same time as your CT scan. PET scans are imaging tests where you will get a radioactive medication called a tracer. The tracer lets your healthcare provider see how our cells use the medication.
• Breast ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your breast tissue.
• Breast MRI is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test. During a breast MRI, we put fluids inside the breast that let us see images of your breast tissue more clearly. This test uses radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer.
• Breast biopsy is a procedure to take a sample of your breast tissue. The sample is sent to our lab for testing. There are a few types of breast biopsies. Our IBC experts will choose the type of biopsy that’s best for you.  

At your first MSK appointment, you'll meet with members of your care team. We’ll talk with you about the best options to care for you. Your IBC treatment plan may include surgery, systemic therapies, and radiation therapy. 

We’ll clearly explain each step in the process. We’ll make sure you get the treatments that work best together if you need more than one treatment.

Our Inflammatory Breast Cancer Program will help you manage side effects during and after treatment. We’re here to help you get back to what matters most. We have many supportive care services, including:

• Nutrition counseling
• Physical therapy
• Integrative medicine
• Lymphedema treatment
• Support groups for people with breast cancer
• Pain management 

A risk factor is anything that raises your chances of getting a disease. Research shows that having healthy habits can lower your risk for many different types of cancer, including breast cancer.

Your race may also raise your risk. For example, people of color assigned female at birth are more likely to have IBC.  

A few risk factors that may raise your risk for getting inflammatory breast cancer are:

• You’re younger than age 50.
• You’re overweight or obese.
• You have a family history of breast cancer. 

MSK experts from the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Program are leading research studies, also known as clinical trials. We’re learning how we can improve treatment for IBC. Our clinical trials also look for ways to better control side effects.

When you meet with your care team, we’ll let you know about open clinical trials. We’ll answer your questions and guide you on next steps.  

Learn if joining an MSK breast cancer clinical trial is right for you.