Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most aggressive
form of breast cancer. It is called inflammatory breast cancer because its main symptoms are swelling and redness of the breast. It is a less common form of invasive ductal cancer. Unlike other forms of breast cancer, IBC often lacks a distinct lump or tumor. Instead, it grows in nests or sheets that spread through the breast. IBC is not usually detected by
mammograms or ultrasounds unless there is a defined lump. If no lump is present, it can be hard to diagnose. Because IBC cells spread easily to other parts of the body, it requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
If you suddenly develop a lump or mass, have it checked immediately. On the IBC research website, they reported a case where a 9x8x5cm lump developed in only three weeks.
Use caution when relying on the interpretations and reports of the mammogram or ultrasound! Inflammatory breast cancer usually grows in nests or sheets, rather than as a confined solid tumor. IBC may not be detected using either mammography or ultrasonography. Increased breast density compared to prior mammograms SHOULD BE CONSIDERED SUSPICIOUS.
One or more of the following are
Typical Symptoms of IBC:
Rapid, unusual increase in breast size
Redness, rash, blotchiness on breast
Persistent itching of breast or nipple
Lump or thickening of breast tissue
Stabbing pain and/or soreness of breast
Feverish breast
Swelling of lymph nodes under the arm or above the collarbone
Dimpling or ridging of the breast
Flattening or retracting of nipple
source: American Cancer Society
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most aggressive form of breast cancer. In the United States, IBC affects younger women disproportionately and African-American women are diagnosed with IBC at significantly younger ages than Caucasian-American women 1;2 . IBC is characterized by extremely poor survival. Although 3-year survival from IBC has improved from 32% in 1975-1979 to 42% in 1988-1992 from the use of combined treatment modalities 2 , women with IBC still have far worse survival than those with other types of breast cancer (all stages and non-IBC histopathological types combined, 3-year survival=85% in 1988-1992) 2 . Moreover, in an analysis of the trends and patterns in IBC incidence and survival using data from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiologic and End Results (SEER) Program, a doubling of IBC incidence in the United States was reported over the past 15 years.
source:
Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation web site.
