The Weiser Family Center for Breast Cancer is dedicated to providing compassionate, cutting-edge care for individuals affected by breast cancer. We enhance lives through early detection, personalized treatment, and survivorship support, while advancing research, education, and advocacy. Our unwavering commitment is to make a meaningful difference, improving breast cancer outcomes for all.

If you're a patient interested in making an appointment, please call 734-647-8902.  

Healthcare providers looking to refer a patient, please contact M-LINE: 800-962-3555.

For those with questions, please contact our Cancer AnswerLine at 800-865-1125.

Due to its rapid progression, IBC might be initially mistaken for an infection. Key symptoms include:

• Redness: Sudden onset of redness covering a third or more of the breast.
• Swelling: The breast may become swollen and feel heavy, sometimes increasing in size quickly.
• Warmth: The breast may feel warm to the touch.
• Pain: Tenderness or aching in the breast.
• Peau d'orange: The skin of the breast may take on a dimpled appearance, similar to an orange peel.
• Inverted Nipple: The nipple may turn inward or become flattened.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases the chance of developing a disease. The following are potential risk factors for breast cancer:

• Age: Most common in middle-aged women, typically diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 50.
• Race: More prevalent in African-American women.
• Obesity: Higher body weight is a recognized risk factor.
• Genetics: Family history of breast cancer and genetic mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2) can increase the risk.

In addition to physical examination by a healthcare provider, the following tests are used to confirm a suspected case of IBC:

• Imaging Tests: Mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs can help identify abnormal areas in the breast tissue.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is crucial for a definitive diagnosis, where tissue samples from the breast are examined for cancer cells.

Staging

Because IBC is aggressive and often diagnosed at an advanced stage, additional tests (CT scans, PET scans, bone scans) may be used to determine if the cancer has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body.

Due to its aggressive nature, IBC requires a multi-faceted treatment approach:

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is usually the first step to shrink the tumor and address any cancer cells that may have spread. This is critical because IBC is often advanced by the time of diagnosis.

Learn more about systemic therapy and breast cancer.

Surgery

After chemotherapy, surgery is typically performed. The main surgical options are:

• Mastectomy: Removal of the affected breast.
• Axillary lymph Node Dissection. Removal of the armpit (aillary) Lymph Nodes.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation is often used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.  Learn more about radiation therapy and breast cancer.

Hormonal Therapy

If the cancer is hormone receptor-positive (estrogen or progesterone receptors), hormonal therapy may be used to block the cancer's access to hormones that promote its growth.

Targeted Therapy

Depending on specific characteristics of the cancer, targeted therapies (e.g., trastuzumab for HER2-positive cancers) may be included in the treatment plan.

Prognosis

The prognosis for IBC is generally less favorable than for other types of breast cancer due to its aggressive nature and the likelihood of late-stage diagnosis.

Advances in treatment have improved outcomes, but early detection and prompt, aggressive treatment remain critical.

Follow-Up Care

Regular follow-up care is essential to monitor for recurrence and manage any side effects of treatment. This may include physical exams, imaging tests, and blood work.

The psychosocial impacts of breast cancer are profound and multifaceted, necessitating a comprehensive approach to care that addresses emotional, psychological, and social needs. At the Weiser Family Center for Breast Cancer, we understand by leveraging a range of support services and resources, breast cancer patients can better cope with their diagnosis, treatment, and post-treatment phases, enhancing their overall quality of life.

Further reading:

• Tumor Receptors & Breast Cancer
• Aromatase Inhibitors Musculoskeletal Symptoms (AIMSS)
• Breast Cancer & Sexual Health
• Breast Cancer & Young Women
• Breast Cancer & Older Adults
• Psychosocial Support for Breast Cancer

• Lumpectomy & Axillary Surgery: A Patient Care Guide for Before and After Surgery

• Lumpectomy & Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: A Patient Care Guide for Before and After Surgery

• Mastectomy: A Patient Care Guide for Before and After Surgery

• Mastectomy & Axillary Surgery: A Patient Care Guide for Before and After Surgery

• Axillary Surgery: A Patient Care Guide for Before and After Surgery

Related services offered by U-M Health:

• Weiser Family Center for Breast Cancer Peer Mentoring Program
• Lymphedema Screening and Early Detection Program
• Support Services