Inflammatory Breast Cancer or IBC is a rare form of breast cancer that frequently goes unnoticed because it doesn’t show up as a lump like most breast cancers. It is uncommon and very aggressive, which means fast growing or metastasizing (spreading to other organs).

Symptoms of IBC can be a small red bump that resembles a bug bite located anywhere on the breast or a rash frequently found around the peri-areolar (nipple area). This is usually found in one breast but occasionally it can be on both breasts (bi-lateral). If you find this type of a feature, and it doesn’t go away after few days or if it gets worse, i.e. more inflamed, spreading red spot/rash, growing hardening lump forming under the surface or an overall density of the breast, then it would be prudent to see a breast surgeon to talk about these symptoms, don’t wait! The prognosis is better when you address it sooner rather than later.