Can breast cancer look like a persistent rash on the breast rather than a lump?
Inflammatory breast cancer is an uncommon type of breast cancer in which cancer cells block the lymph vessels in the skin of the breast. This blockage causes the breast to become red, swollen, and warm. The skin of the breast may have ridges or appear pitted, like the skin of an orange (called peau d’orange). This type of breast cancer may also cause a discharge from the nipple, and the nipple may be pulled back. Another possible sign of inflammatory breast cancer is the presence of swollen lymph nodes under the arm or above the collarbone. Often, a tumor cannot be felt, even though one may appear on a mammogram. A biopsy is done to confirm the diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer generally grows rapidly, and the cancer cells often spread to other parts of the body. Though these symptoms may be present in benign (non cancerous) breast disorders it is recommended that if someone has any of these symptoms that they see their health care provider soon.
