Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Treatment Options and Everything You Need to Know

[@quantricebrooks7732]

Thank you Dr. Griggs for taking a deeper dive into IBC. I believe that we have been taught to look for a mass/ lump but not so much the symptoms of IBC which I've experienced this past year. I ignored those signs sadly but took action only because of the mass I found which all happened very quickly. Awareness is important. 🎀

[@yerbba]

You're absolutely right, awareness is crucial, and it's commendable that you're sharing your experience to help others. Thank you for your kind words and for being a part of the conversation surrounding IBC. Remember, your story can make a difference in someone else's journey. Take care.

[@flowers3036]

What were symptoms

[@quantricebrooks7732]

​@@flowers3036 I experienced a larger/heavier breast on 1 side. The skin looked like the skin of an orange noticeable larger pores (skin puckering) and dimpling over a matter of ~2 months. Big changes that became quickly. Most noticeable was severe underarm pain. Hope this helps 🙏🏾. So many signs that I ignored and a huge lump

[@rosearoma8031]

How are you doing now? What treatment did you follow ?

[@janicewilliams4926]

@@quantricebrooks7732 same happened so fast in a month, what treatment were you on?

[@naththomas9946]

Thank you, Dr. Griggs, for your continuous support for patients with breast cancer.

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching!

[@northwestcoastalcharters18]

Thank you for bringing more awareness to IBC. I am bit surprised to hear about the possible reconstruction at the time of surgery as the standard of care calls for non skin sparing mastectomy. I have been told we have to wait one to two years for reconstruction and the only option for it is by using our own flesh and skin like doing a DIEP flap reconstruction since there is not enough skin left to expand on the chest. Is there a new study available about this? IBC is always stage 3 or 4 at the time of diagnosis and as you mentioned IBC is a very aggressive fast growing BC. I was diagnosed stage 3C last December and just finished radiation with bolus. I’m happy to report I am now cancer free. Not all breast cancers present with a lump so ladies don’t wait to get any changes you see checked!

[@yerbba]

We do not recommend reconstruction for inflammatory breast cancer for a couple of years. We intended to make that point in the video.

[@Fiiscreativemoods]

How did you discover there was something wrong with your breast. What symptoms did you present

[@fakeevil9099]

Are you finr

[@flowers3036]

So mamograms ultrasounds don't detect. Why did dr say I think it's inflammstory breast cancer so you must ho get mamogram and ultrasound. But it doesn't show anything?

[@yerbba]

We understand your frustration and confusion. While mammograms and ultrasounds may not always show inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) clearly when used alone, they are still important initial steps in the diagnostic process. Doctors typically start with these tests because they are readily available and help rule out other conditions. However, MRI is actually the most reliable imaging test for IBC and might be a next step worth discussing with your doctor. What's most important to remember is that your physical symptoms and clinical presentation are just as valuable for diagnosis as any imaging results. Your doctor is being thorough by ordering these initial tests even if they don't show everything right away.

[@Alabanzas159]

My mom is a breast cancer survivor. But now her breast is read very read we took it to hospital. They said infection. I didn't get better. So they send her to another hospital. They. Took puke out also They did a memo gram. An ultrasound and cut. This was Thursday. We still waiting for the results. I'm a believer in God and prayer. But I feel stressed out and panicky I came here because I saw ur post. It feels like an eternity. Why do they take so long? Why did they give her steroids calling at infection? Now we have to wait Whatvu think she has Thank u. Please pray for my mom and every woman battling

[@yerbba]

Waiting for medical results can feel incredibly slow, especially when you're concerned about a loved one's health. Delays can be due to the need for detailed analysis and consultation with specialists, which takes time to ensure accuracy. It's normal to feel stressed, but staying hopeful and engaged in prayer can help during this waiting period. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@Alabanzas159]

@@yerbba results 2 times negative thank God But she has tense breast fibrosis Her redness is getting better She needs to keep on seeing her medical, Doctor. Thanks. God bless

[@gracedalessandro4428]

Thank you Doctor for your thorough explanation. In 2022 I had breast cancer Estr.& Prog + her2 -. It was in the lymph nodes. I had 18 nodes removed and 5 were cancerous. I had 16 rounds of radiation and have been on Tamoxifen for almost 2 years. Now I have noticed a red mark on the same breast. Maybe the size of a dime. Looks like a bug bite. My question is this....Can Inflammatory Breast Cancer occur while taking Tamoxifen? Thank you And God Bless you 🙏

[@yerbba]

Cancer can occur while people are on tamoxifen, yes. Without being able to see someone, it is hard to know what this finding is. It would be good to get hold of your medical team about this new finding.

[@lashondafrye6959]

If you dont want chemo or radiation what is the next step

[@yerbba]

In people with inflammatory breast cancer, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the best options to decrease the risk of the cancer coming back and of dying of breast cancer. In people who decline receiving these treatments, endocrine therapy may be offered if the tumor is hormone receptor-positive. It is also of course possible for people to have management of their symptoms and not to receive any cancer-directed therapy.

[@slolane598]

Do you consider an inverted nipple as a possible sign of IBC?

[@yerbba]

An inverted nipple can be seen with any type of breast cancer.

[@pepsisaelee9460]

Yerba is right, i have IBC and yes I did have inverted nipple as well too, it went away about 1-2 month in during my chemo.

[@lisawest1556]

Thank you Dr. Griggs! My sister has had a recurrence of inflammatory bc, stage IV with mets to the spine, after 11-1/2 years. She is on palliative chemo but her doc still wants to perform a double mastectomy. With my limited knowledge, I dont understand the reasoning for this. She has been given “at most” a year to live? Why the thought of such a traumatizing surgery?

[@yerbba]

Your sister is fortunate to have you. You are correct that we generally do not see people with advanced disease being offered surgery. The key thing for her is the management of the disease in the spine and other parts of the body, if there are other places. Occasionally, surgery on the breast will be done in people who have had an excellent response to treatment in other parts of the body and in the breast and who are likely to live a long time.

[@elaineosteen7935]

This was a great video and explained so much more than most I've seen. Thank you. I have a mammogram and sonogram tomorrow. This helps me to know what questions to ask.

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching and being part of the Yerbba community! We're so glad you found this video helpful.

[@Masterahsoka]

Thank you so much for this informative video!

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching and being part of the Yerbba community.

[@sandilobianco6734]

Please show what the rash looks like not just the infection.

[@yerbba]

It can be really difficult to tell the difference between inflammatory breast cancer and a skin infection called cellulitis. Most people with inflammatory changes are treated with antibiotics first because infection is the most common cause of these changes. The skin appearance, in which the skin looks like an orange, is more characteristic of inflammatory breast cancer but is not a definite distinguisher.

[@thisisme3230]

My MIL has IBC and I feel like her doctor is not telling her everything, She also has not researched her cancer. Her oncologist cured her 12 years ago from Leukemia so she doesn't question anything. She keeps saying all she needs for surgery is a punch biopsy and absolutely was told she doesn't need a mastectomy nor does she need lymph nodes removed. I've tried to have conversations with her and go to the doctor, but they don't offer up information. This video sounds like breast conserving surgery is possible, but that is certainly more than a punch biopsy. She also had referred pain in her leg and was sent to a spine doctor and I'm worried there was a metastasis they didn't tell her about. I'm struggling with the ethics of just letting the doctors guide her and let her absorb things as it comes, and making sure she gets all the facts. Can you provide some suggestions. I should also add my MIL was told initially her IBC was shingles and went 5 months with it getting worse with open wounds without once going back to the doctor or saying anything. Also, when I went to her initial appointment after biopsy I tried to get information on her cancer by asking about hormone receptors. The most I got from the doctor was that it had none, which I take to mean it is triple negative. Again, something I would think should be a major part of the discussion. However, since it's my MIL now my mom, I struggle with pushing for information she doesnt want.

[@yerbba]

It sounds that there is some confusion. And that you feel somewhat powerless. In general, inflammatory breast cancer is treated first with chemotherapy, and breast conserving surgery is not recommended. It can be hard to be an observer and somewhat removed because of your relationship with your mother-in-law (with her not being your own mother). If you ask your partner for permission, you may be able to get permission to share your questions with your MiL's doctor.

[@Essssss36999]

I am having issues with one breast! Two years ago, I felt two lumps in my breast! I didn’t want to get a mammogram so I got an ultrasound and it indicated everything was ok! Within a year I developed a knot under my arm and the lumps had grown together, the breast is swollen, bright red, and lesion has formed in the center! My doctor wants me to get a mammogram which I don’t want to get! I feel if it is cancer this will make it worse, if it’s not, it will make the infection worse! Is there anyway to get a diagnosis without a mammogram?

[@yerbba]

The best test is a mammogram. We wish it were otherwise. A mammogram won't make things worse but can help figure out what is causing your symptoms.

[@prantikroy5771]

This is breast cancer month.. in this observe month plz make a video on upcoming treatment hope...its really encouraging

[@yerbba]

Will do! Thank you.

[@meahdahlgren5875]

❤❤

[@Healthisdream]

I'm 22 year old I had surgery very recently because they removed fibroadenoma and then i had cellulitis infection which is not responding to antibiotics,its been 4 months its not going there is hard lump which is paining also,please comment if any has the same symptoms

[@yerbba]

This sounds difficult. We hope the Yerbba community can respond to your question.

[@fakeevil9099]

How are you

[@mishka_bear]

Thank you for this video. I was diagnosed with stage 3c IBC in September and I 'm starting my 4th month of chemotherapy. Something that makes me very anxious and i don't know how to raise with my doctor is that there was.a.gap of 2 months between the PET-CT scan (that placed me at 3c with no metastases inorher organs) and the start of my chemo. The gap was due to an administrative mistake in the hospital which cause me to fall out the planning. As soon as they figured it out Indod start chemo, but they still treat is as stage 3. And deep inside i amnteally scared that on the 2 month gap a metastasis did occur and we don't know. Because the cancer developed so quickly, in just a few weeks, i am terrified what theosen2 months may have done. Do you have an idea how likely that might be? And what would be a good way to share my fears with the team?

[@yerbba]

It's natural to have fears about any delays you've experienced. Doctors are accustomed to having people talk about those fears. Bringing it up in a descriptive way, stating exactly what happened without an accusatory slant, can help your team feel like they are partnering with you in meeting your information and emotional needs. Come back and let us know how it goes and if you would like us to do a video on having difficult conversations with your medical team.

[@pepsisaelee9460]

I just got diagnosed with TNIBC, it sucks that with such a diagnosis you’d hope that things would be more expedited especially with something like IBC that spreads soo fast. It took me about 2 months from when i made an appointment to getting diagnosed with IBC, i am fortunate that my doctor has been really good with trying to rush my appointments and getting my first chemo appointment in within 3 weeks and im still at stage 3c too and plan to stay there until the cancer is gone since we dont have a choice to be stage 1 or 2, gotta keep positive thoughts. I start chemo on june 7th. Stay being positive, thats the most we can do, we both will make it through.

[@mishka_bear]

@pepsisaelee9460 I'm so sorry for the diagnosis you got; it's shocking and terrifying. But keep positive! Since I wrote my original comment, I actually got the news that we reached pCR (pathological complete response) only 2 weeks ago! Going through chemo was hell but it cleaned everything. Nothing was visible on the scans post-chemo, and the pathology after surgery found no living cancer cells. So it is possible even from 3c! So hold on tight and good luck on the 7th. I hope you're in good hands.

[@pepsisaelee9460]

That’s such good news to hear! I’m so happy for you! Also Were you positive for hormone receptors? Do you plan to have surgery as well because I hear that’s almost a 100 percent have to with IBC, and will radiation also be needed? I have triple negative (TN) IBC. It’s such an eye opening experience because we all think this would never happen to us. But best wishes and hope cancer never comes back ! ♥️

[@mishka_bear]

@@pepsisaelee9460 Yes I'm tripple negative as well, no receptors. I finished chemo end of March and had a double mastectomy 4 weeks ago (I have brca1 mutation, so I chose profilactic mastectomy for the healthy breast). I'll start radiation in July, 8 weeks post-op. You're right, it's indeed eye-opening. For me, because of the brca mutation I always expected it will come, but all my screening scans were always perfect. And suddenly, less than 6 months after another perfect scan it just happened! I think I'm still processing. How are you coping? Did they already give you an overview of the treatment plan?

[@xbabyblue88x]

For someone who has inflammatory triple negative breast cancer, is it okay to have an expander put in during the mastectomy surgery? My surgical oncologist doesn't see any issues, but when looking online they say that immediate reconstruction should be avoided, especially if radiation is the next step. Does a flat or full breast skin (with expander) impact the effectiveness of the radiated area?

[@yerbba]

The main concern with reconstruction is that relapses in the reconstructed breast are quite dreadful. Many people who have had reconstruction after surgery for inflammatory breast cancer and then later have a recurrence have expressed the wish that they had not had reconstruction. Waiting a few years after surgery to have reconstruction may be more prudent in the long run. This can be difficult to hear, we know.

[@gigic1353]

Hi I have been diagnosed with ibc and also triple negative my surgeon said I would have to do a mastectomy 😢 . If you don’t mind how are you doing? I just started my Chemo on Nov 19 going once a week . Hope your doing good

[@Fiiscreativemoods]

Im going to see my dr in the next week. I have an inflammed breast. Im over 40. And my breast flairs up 2weeks before my period starts. And goes away after my period. Is that a sign of inflammatory breast cancer?

[@yerbba]

Without being able to do an exam, it is difficult to say. It's a good thing you're being seen soon.

[@jenny2282]

This is normal from what I undetermined. And I've had this my entire life and many people I know have too. The possible problem is when it's constant...persistent pain usually only in one breast...meaning it doesn't go away and come back

[@Finny_finn_finn]

What would your first response be to this scenario....lumpectomy of marble size retroareolar lump...benign....3 weeks post op CT with contrast on submandibular salivary gland shows skin thickening in breast s/p lumpectomy. Pt has new bruising appearance, hardened area above surgical site and pain...all seemingly new and unrelated to surgical procedure...and results of the CT state "inflammatory breast carcinoma possible"...what would your next steps be?

[@yerbba]

The radiologist is reading the CT scan without having seen the patient or, possibly, knowing the history. A CT scan is not able to make a diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer. Without being able to examine the patient, it is difficult to say what the next step should be. Repeat physical examination and possibly and MRI would be helpful.

[@Finny_finn_finn]

@yerbba did diagnostic mammogram 3d tomography and ultrasound showing seroma/hematoma...doing follow up physical exam with pt to see what's going on. It's so frustrating when results come in... and go to the pt through EMR service without explanation 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@vilmavelazquez1979]

How would you threat 1/3 micrometastasis in sentinel lymph nodes removed during mastectomy? I got neoadjuvant chemo to shrink the stage 3 grade 1 ER/PR+ HER2- ILC. It worked but pathology report stated residual cancer burden is II (moderate). What is residual cancer burden? Are the cancer cells dead after neoadjuvant chemo or are they the leftover cells that did not die during chemo?

[@yerbba]

Without being able to see the pathology specimen, it's difficult to know the exact implications of what is left in the breast. In general, people with residual disease after all chemotherapy has been given will often be offered additional therapy if the tumor is hormone receptor negative.

[@fatimagillani152]

My aunt has this condition and her breast is extremely hard and painful and she has rashes and itching all over. How do we help her?

[@fatimagillani152]

This started after her biopsy. It wasn’t like this before.

[@yerbba]

We're sorry to hear about your aunt's condition. It sounds very challenging, and she is fortunate to have you in her corner. It's important for her to see her medical team as soon as possible to address these symptoms. Hardness, pain, rashes, and itching can be signs of various complications that need medical attention. In the meantime, she might find some relief with gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers for the itching and wearing loose, soft clothing to reduce irritation. Her medical team may also be able to prescribe medication to be taken orally to help with these symptoms. Supporting her emotionally and ensuring she gets the medical care she needs is crucial.

[@fakeevil9099]

How is she

[@patriciaromero145]

What about pain?

[@yerbba]

You may be asking about pain with inflammatory breast cancer. Yes, inflammatory breast cancer can cause pain in the breast. Not all people have pain, however.

[@Ayum8PigeonAnal]

I think I have it but my mom won't believe me

[@yerbba]

It’s tough when you feel like your concerns aren’t being taken seriously. It’s important to talk to a healthcare professional about your symptoms for a proper evaluation. If you are very young (for example, under 18) breast cancer is extremely unlikely. Nonetheless, being taken care of is important.

[@fakeevil9099]

How are you