Can inflammatory breast cancer affect both breasts?

Swelling in one or both breasts can be caused by numerous factors and it is not in fact a common symptom of breast cancer. However, patients who suffer from a specific type of the disease, known as inflammatory breast cancer, may experience breast swelling.

Does inflammatory breast cancer cause pain?

IBC is a fast-growing, aggressive form of breast cancer. Unlike other types of breast cancer, symptoms of this condition are primarily caused by inflammation, which leads to swelling, pain, redness, and other symptoms.

How can you tell the difference between inflammatory breast cancer and mastitis?

A breast injury or breast infection (mastitis) may cause redness, swelling and pain. Inflammatory breast cancer can be easily confused with a breast infection, which is much more common. It’s reasonable and common to be initially treated with antibiotics for a week or more.

Can you feel inflammatory breast cancer?

Because inflammatory breast cancer forms in layers, your doctor may not feel a distinct lump during a breast exam and a mammogram may not detect one either. However, it is possible to see and feel the skin thickening that often happens with IBC.

Is breast cancer painful in early stages?

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass (although most breast lumps are not cancer). A painless, hard mass that has irregular edges is more likely to be cancer, but breast cancers can be also soft, round, tender, or even painful.

Is pain a symptom of breast cancer?

Although most breast cancers do not cause pain in the breast or nipple, some do. More often, women have breast pain or discomfort related to their menstrual cycle. Also, some non-cancer breast conditions, such as mastitis, may cause a more sudden pain.

Where does IBC rash start?

Symptoms of IBC usually take just 3-6 months to develop. Your symptoms may include: A red or purple color or a rash spread over one-third of the breast. Pitting, thickening, or dimpling of skin on the breast, so that it looks like an orange peel, a condition called peau d’orange.

Is breast cancer painful before diagnosis?

What does IBC rash feel like?

A red or purple color or a rash spread over one-third of the breast. Pitting, thickening, or dimpling of skin on the breast, so that it looks like an orange peel, a condition called peau d’orange. Inverted or retracted nipple (a nipple that points inward) Pain, swelling, itchiness, burning, or tenderness.