Trust img

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Surgery
In India

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is referred to as a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that can cause dimpling, pitting or thickening of breast skin, pain, itchiness, enlargement of one breast, and inverted or retracted nipple. IBC is a fast-growing cancer and requires immediate medical attention.

Consult with the best oncologists for inflammatory breast cancer treatment at the CK Birla Hospital.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer
CK Birla Hospital
What is Inflammatory Breast Cancer Treatment?

Inflammatory breast cancer develops when cancer cells block lymph vessels. This blocking of lymph vessels can lead to inflammation and symptoms similar to an infection, making it easy to mistake IBC for an infection. Individuals who are obese or overweight are more likely to get affected with IBC. 

What are the Types of Inflammatory Breast Cancer Treatment?

  • Surgery: Surgical treatment involves removing all of the affected breast and lymph nodes. 
  • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves treatment through drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be given intravenously or as a pill. 
  • Radiation Therapy: Treatment through radiation therapy involves using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. This is often used in conjunction with other treatments. 
  • Targeted Therapy: Treatment involves using drugs to precisely identify and attack cancer cells by targeting the proteins that control their growth.
  • Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a procedure which helps the immune system identify and destroy cancer cells that may be hard to detect.
  • Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy involves blocking hormones that cause the cancer to grow and spread.

What is the Average Cost of Various Inflammatory Breast Cancer Treatment?

  • Surgery: Costs approximately ₹2,50,000 to ₹4,00,000
  • Chemotherapy: Typically costs around ₹1,60,000 to ₹3,00,000 per cycle
  • Radiation Therapy: Priced between ₹1,50,000 to ₹5,50,000
  • Targeted Therapy: Generally costs 
  • ₹1,00,000 to ₹3,50,000

  • Immunotherapy: Costs around ₹2,00,000 to ₹5,00,000
  • Hormone Therapy: Ranges from ₹3,22,845 and above

Note: These figures are approximate and can vary based on individual circumstances, hospital facilities, and additional services required.

 

Complications Associated with Untreated Inflammatory Breast Cancer?

  • Distant Metastasis: An untreated IBC can rapidly spread to other parts and organs which may result in severe complications.
  • Disfiguring: An untreated condition can lead to changes in breasts like redness, swelling, etc. It can also change the skin texture of the breasts. 
  • Skin Ulceration: In severe untreated cases the skin over the affected breast may ulcerate leading to an increased risk of infection. 
  • Lymph Node Involvement: Another complication due to non-treatment can lead to the spreading of cancer to the lymph nodes affecting the arm and collarbone area. 

Preventive Measures Against Inflammatory Breast Cancer

It is not possible to prevent inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), however, adopting a healthy life can help reduce the risk of breast cancer and improve overall health. 

  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being obese or overweight increases the risk of various types of cancer, including breast cancer.
  • Limit Alcohol Consumption: Consumption of alcohol is linked to increased breast cancer and other cancer risks. 
  • Regular Physical Activity: Regular exercising is also associated with reducing the risk of several types of cancer including breast cancer.
  • Self-Exam: Regularly self-examine the breast and check for any new changes, lumps, growths, and more.

Meet Our Breast Cancer Surgeons
Dr. Dr. Rohan Khandelwal
Dr. Rohan Khandelwal

The Breast Centre

Experience: 20+ Years

Gurgaon

Dr. Dr Harsimran Singh
Dr Harsimran Singh

Oncology

Experience: 15+ Years

Delhi

Diagnosis of Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer can be done by a thorough physical examination by an oncologist. The specialist may check and rule out other conditions that may show similar symptoms, and if the doctor suspects IBC, they may recommend a biopsy to confirm.

  • Mammogram: Low energy x-ray to look for any lumps, skin thickening & calcifications.
  • Ultrasound: Helps identify any tumours and spread of cancer. 
  • MRI: Provides detailed images of the inside of the breast useful in the detection of IBC. 
  • PET Scan: To check for the spread of cancer to other body parts.
  • Biopsy: Test to help identify the presence of cancer cells.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
  • Meet & understand all the full treatment plans with your oncologist.
  • Check with your doctor about all the current medications.
  • Arrange for someone to support you during treatment sessions.
  • Maintain a healthy diet to build immunity. 
  • Get done with all the tests before starting the treatment. 
  • Follow the doctor’s prescription for medications.
Post-Treatment Instructions
  • Attend all follow-up appointments as scheduled.
  • Continue with prescribed medications.
  • Watch for signs of infections, swelling, fever, etc & report them immediately.
  • Protect the treated skin from sun exposure.
  • Practise gentle arm exercises post-surgery if recommended. 
  • Avoid wearing tight and synthetic clothing.
Recovery After Inflammatory Breast Treatment

Recovery from IBC depends on the stage of cancer, the type of treatment, and how well the patient is responding to the treatment. IBC is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that tends to spread quickly, some of the cases get cured if they get diagnosed at very early stages. 

FAQ's Around Inflammatory Breast Cancer
What is the survival rate for inflammatory breast cancer?

According to several research and reports, IBC has a survival rate of 5 years ranging from 30% to 70%. Also, the survival rate of IBC is lower than other types of breast cancer. 

What stage is inflammatory breast cancer?

Inflammatory breast cancer is always staged at stage III or stage IV. 

Can you be cured of inflammatory breast cancer?

Inflammatory breast cancer is a very aggressive form of cancer and only some cases are curable.