Inflammatory Breast Cancer Clinic

Specialized care for a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and fast-growing form of breast cancer that often doesn’t appear as a lump and may not show up on a mammogram. It accounts for only 2% to 4% of new breast cancer cases each year, but because of its aggressive nature, it leads to a higher number of breast cancer-related deaths.

At the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Clinic at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, patients benefit from a team of specialists who are experienced in diagnosing and treating this uncommon disease. Through a multidisciplinary approach, we’re able to offer advanced care that can improve outcomes - starting from day one.

Who should come to the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Clinic?

We care for patients who:

• Have already been diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer
• Have new or worsening breast symptoms that may be signs of IBC

Symptoms may include:

• Rapid breast swelling or enlargement
• Skin that appears red, darkened, purplish or bruised
• Skin that becomes thick or dimpled (like an orange peel)
• Nipple flattening or inversion
• A warm or tender area of the breast

IBC symptoms can progress quickly - sometimes over just a few weeks. They may not show up on a mammogram and are sometimes mistaken for infection or injury. If you notice any of these changes, it’s important to seek care right away.

What to expect at your appointment

The Inflammatory Breast Cancer Clinic is designed to streamline your care through same-day visits with multiple specialists. During your first appointment, you may meet with:

• A medical oncologist
• A surgical oncologist
• A radiation oncologist

Your care team may also include:

• Radiologists and breast imaging experts
• Pathologists
• Genetic counselors
• Cancer care navigators
• Plastic and reconstructive surgeons

Together, this team creates a personalized treatment plan based on your unique diagnosis, lifestyle and goals. Our coordinated approach reduces delays, eliminates duplicated testing and ensures that your care is based on the latest standards.

Why choose Banner MD Anderson for IBC care?

Because IBC is so rare and aggressive, getting the right diagnosis and treatment from the start is essential.

• At Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, you’ll receive care that:
• Follows the same clinical protocols used at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston
• Is delivered by a high-volume team with deep experience treating inflammatory breast cancer
• Includes access to clinical trials focused on improving IBC outcomes
• Connects you with reconstructive surgery planning as part of your treatment journey

Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center brings together local care and national expertise in one program. Our multidisciplinary model reflects the same philosophy, process and standards of care followed by MD Anderson’s clinical leadership.

How to request an appointment

If you have already been diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer—or if you have breast symptoms that are new, worsening or concerning—please reach out to us.

Call us directly to schedule an appointment at 480-256-6444 or click the button below.  

Request an appointment