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What is Inflammatory Breast Cancer?
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is a relatively rare form of breast cancer (about 1-4%), and symptoms usually include the following:
- A warm swollen breast that does not change through the menstrual cycle or respond to antibiotics
- Skin which is red or appears dimpled like an orange (peau d'orange)
- The sudden appearance of a large lump in the breast
- Itching or pain in the breast
- A nipple which is flattened or inverted, possibly with a discharge
- Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or above the collarbone
IBC is a serious illness, although techniques for treating it have improved a lot, and survival rates are rising. Some recent studies show about 40% survival five years after diagnosis, and here are relatively few recurrences after five years. Men can get IBC too, although it is extremely rare, and it has been documented in girls as young as 12. Two thirds of patients are post-menopausal at diagnosis.
It is important to receive prompt treatment for IBC. The treatment is usually 3 to 6 rounds of chemotherapy, followed by mastectomy. More conventional or high-dose chemotherapy may be given after surgery, depending on the level of tumor response. Most IBC patients have radiation to the chest wall after surgery and chemotherapy. Many follow treatment with a hormonal drug called Tamoxifen.
More Breast Cancer Information:
Breast Cancer Risk Factors – Know Your Risk and Prevent Breast Cancer !
Breast Cancer Genes – BRCA1 & BRCA2 Genes
Breast Cancer Detection - Breast Biopsy
Breast Cancer Prevention - Breast self-examination (BSE)
Breast Cancer Prevention - Clinical breast exam (CBE)
Understanding Breast Cancer Clinical Trial
Breast Cancer Prevention -Digital Mammography
More Breast Cancer Treatments:
Breast Cancer Drug - Raloxifene
Breast Cancer Drug - Tamoxifen
After Breast Surgery - Breast Reconstruction
Breast Cancer Treatment - Hormone Replacement Therapy
