Images from www.breastcare.com
There are limited case studies available on IBC. There are two very worthwhile IBC Registry Programs - one is associated with the George Washington University Medical Center and the other is associated with the Tufts/New England Medical Center.
The complete information with study links is at www.ibchelp.org. Click here to go directly to that page.
"Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) causes changes in the nipple and the surrounding areas. Invasion of the local lymphatic ducts impairs drainage and causes edematous swelling of the breast.
Because the skin of the breast is tethered by the suspensory ligament of Cooper, the accumulation of fluid causes the skin of the breast to assume a dimpled appearance reminiscent of the peel of an orange (peau d'orange).
Other symptoms include rapid increase in breast size, redness, persistent itching, skin hot to the touch.
IBC often initially resembles mastitis, and is sometimes misdiagnosed as an insect bite."