Inflammatory Breast Cancer

The Breast Cancer Program at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center is made up of a diverse group of nationally-recognized specialists in breast cancer research and treatment. Led by Vered Stearns, M.D., and Sara Sukumar, Ph.D, physician-scientists in the breast cancer program are studying new ways to treat breast cancer, including treatment tailored to the unique makeup of each individual patient.

Breast Cancer Experts

Our breast cancer experts develop innovative clinical trials to test new treatments and move care standards forward.  Experts in survivorship care provide women with with support, guidance and medical recommendations . Our medical oncologists and radiation oncologists work closely with surgeons, plastic surgeons, radiogists, and other specialists within the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center.

The Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of 21 of the world's leading cancer centers.  NCCN has developed treatment guidelines for breast cancer patients, based on its clinical practice guidelines for physicians. 

About Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Inflammatory breast cancer is an uncommon type of breast cancer in which cancer cells block the lymph vessels in the skin of the breast, causing the breast to become red, swollen, and warm. Generally, this type of breast cancer grows fast and the cancer cells often spread to other parts of the body.

Cancer Symptoms

With inflammatory breast cancer, cancer cells block the lymph vessels in the skin of the breast, causing the breast to become red, swollen, and warm. This type of breast cancer may also cause a discharge from the nipple, and the nipple may be pulled back. Another sign may be swollen lymph nodes under the arm or above the collarbone.

Current Treatments

Treatment for inflammatory breast cancer involves local treatment to remove or destroy the cancer in the breast and systemic treatment to stop the disease from spreading to other parts of the body. Two forms of treatment are local and systemic. Local treatment includes surgery and/or radiation therapy to the breast and underarm, while systemic treatment is chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy.