Breast Cancer Rash Pictures, Symptoms, and Signs to Watch For

What Does a Breast Cancer Rash Look Like?

A rash can sometimes be an early warning sign of inflammatory breast cancer or a symptom of breast cancer that has advanced and metastasized. But not all rashes near the breast necessarily indicate cancer. Here we review what various breast cancer-related rashes look like with pictures so you know what to watch out for on your skin.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Rash

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive and fast growing form of breast cancer. One of its main symptoms is a red, swollen rash on one breast that has an orange peel-like texture.

The rash occurs as cancer cells block lymph vessels draining fluid from the breast tissue. Fluid backup causes swelling and inflammation. The swollen breast often feels warm and heavy as well.

This type of rash can develop quickly, sometimes over just a few days. The affected skin may also appear pitted or thick like an orange peel due to edema and swelling.

IBC accounts for only 1-5% of breast cancer cases but can be serious if not caught early. Notify your doctor right away about any breast changes resembling an IBC rash so appropriate tests can be ordered.

Eczema Rashes on the Breast

Eczema is a common skin condition marked by extremely itchy, dry, inflamed patches on the skin. The rash most often occurs on the hands, feet, inner elbows, back of the knees, face, and neck.

But eczema can occasionally crop up on the breasts as well. It may first appear as small elevated bumps that transform into red, scaly rashes over time. The eczema rash often oozes fluid and forms crusty areas once scratched.

Eczema is not cancer. But persistent eczema patches should still get evaluated by your doctor, especially if they bleed, ooze, or change appearance. Catching any underlying skin condition early allows for better management.

Cellulitis Rashes Around the Breast

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that can occur anywhere on the body. It usually first arises as a small, red, swollen patch of skin that expands rapidly over hours or days.

On the breast, cellulitis may appear as a uni- or bilateral rash with poorly defined borders. The skin often looks shiny and inflamed.

Cellulitis must be treated aggressively with antibiotics, since the infection can quickly spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream. Seek medical care promptly if you suspect this tender, expanding rash.

Paget's Disease of the Breast Rash

Paget's disease of the breast (also called mammary Paget's disease) is a rare type of cancer involving the skin of the nipple. The most common symptom is an eczema-like rash on or around the nipple.

Signs can include:

• Itchy, scaly, red patches on the nipple
• Oozing skin lesions
• Nipple flaking, crusting, or ulceration
• Nipple retraction or inversion

This type of rash is often mistaken for a more benign skin condition like eczema at first. But a biopsy is needed to check breast skin cells and confirm the diagnosis. Paget’s disease signals an underlying breast cancer nearly all cases.

Rashes From Metastatic Breast Cancer

Advanced breast cancer that has spread (metastatic breast cancer) can cause various skin rashes and lesions as the cancer cells infiltrate different areas of the body.

Metastatic cancer cells often first spread to lymph nodes before traveling through the bloodstream to distant organs like the bones, lungs, liver and brain. But they can also manifest as skin lesions distant from the original breast tumor location.

Cancerous Skin Nodules

Metastatic breast cancer may first appear as firm, rounded nodules or knots under the skin surface. These skin lesions can vary greatly in size, number, and location on the body.

The nodules typically emerge slowly over weeks to months and tend to be painless at first. But they will likely continue multiplying and growing bigger over time as the cancer spreads.

Malignant Ulcers on the Breast

Another skin manifestation of metastatic disease can be malignant skin ulcers. These are open wounds that first appear as small reddened areas on the breast tissue or nearby skin.

Malignant ulcers arise from cancer cells infiltrating and breaking down healthy tissues. As they expand, a crater-like wound with raised borders slowly develops, leaking fluid and blood and failing to heal.

These aggressive skin ulcers tend to grow and sink deeper over time. They may be painful depending on location and nerve involvement.

When to See Your Doctor

Schedule an urgent appointment with your physician if you notice any unusual skin changes around your breast, including:

• Sudden rashes, swelling, or inflammation
• Nipple changes like flaking, itching, or retraction
• Expanding skin lesions, nodules, or ulcers
• Orange peel-like skin texture

Catching inflammatory breast cancer and metastatic skin manifestations early gives you the best chance of effective treatment to extend survival and quality of life.

While most breast rashes have benign causes, don't ignore unexplained skin changes which could signal serious disease. Getting a thorough evaluation and diagnosis provides peace of mind or early lifesaving intervention.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.