Dear Ones,

Until I got it I knew nothing about inflammatory breast cancer, a particularly fast growing cancer. I diagnosed myself on line and was in treatment within a week. Please take the time to read or pass on to your friends, you may save a life. For more information go to http://ibchelp.org the source of this info.

Betsy Stang

 

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms:

One or more of the following are typical signs and symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer (also known as Inflammatory Breast Carcinoma or Inflammatory Carcinoma of the Breast). Most patients do not experience all of the signs and symptoms, and it is not necessary to exhibit all of them in order to be diagnosed with IBC:

* Increase in breast size over a relatively short period of time (sometimes a cup size in a few days)

* Pruritus (itching) that is unrelenting and unrelieved by oral drugs or topical agents

* Erythema (pink, red, or dark-colored areas) sometimes with peau d'orange (texture similar to the skin of an orange)

* Ridges and thickened areas of the skin

* What appears to be a bruise that does not go away

* Nipple flattening or retraction

* Nipple discharge

* Breast is excessively warm to the touch

* Breast is harder or firmer than usual

* Breast pain which is not cyclic in nature (may be constant or stabbing)

* Change in color and/or texture of the areola (pigmented area surrounding the nipple)

* Swollen lymph nodes in the axillary area (underarm) or the supraclavicular area (above the collarbone)

* Although a dominant mass is present in many cases, most inflammatory cancers present as diffuse infiltration of the breast without a well-defined tumor.

* Rarer cases have been reported in which the first sign was lymphedema (swelling) of the arm

* Another rare case was reported in which the breast decreased rather than increased in size, but this is very unusual.

These signs and symptoms may be present in benign (non-cancerous) breast disorders so do not immediately become alarmed if you exhibit any of these signs and symptoms, but do consult your medical professional to ensure quick and proper diagnosis.

You now know more about the signs, symptoms and seriousness of Inflammatory Breast Cancer than almost all of those you know or will meet. Spread the word and help to save lives; and remember, You don't have to have a lump to have breast cancer. Mammograms and Ultrasounds are not enough.

Thank you; and hopefully, because you have become more educated about IBC...lives WILL be saved.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Definition:

Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

, also known as Inflammatory Breast Carcinoma or Inflammatory Carcinoma of the Breast, is a less common but an advanced and accelerated form of breast cancer that is automatically staged as Stage IIIb or IV (within the range of Stage I to Stage IV). IBC is often not detected by mammograms or ultrasounds.

IBC requires quick, aggressive treatment with chemotherapy prior to surgery in order to reduce the size of the breast and eliminate other symptoms before surgery occurs in order to increase the chances of clear margins and a better prognosis. As a result, it is treated differently than more common types of breast cancer where surgery is often performed first.

IBC has a higher risk of recurrence than other types of breast cancer. It is the most aggressive of the various types of breast cancer, but an early diagnosis and quick initiation of treatment improves the chances of long-term survival. Chemotherapy is usually begun within days of diagnosis. With new and upcoming treatment protocols, there is continued increased incidence of long-term survival.

We have all been positively conditioned to the fact that when a woman discovers a lump in her breast she should go to the doctor immediately, BUT how many people know that YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE A LUMP TO HAVE BREAST CANCER. Mammograms and Ultrasounds are not enough.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer usually grows in nests or sheets, rather than as a confined, solid tumor; and therefore, it can be diffuse throughout the breast with no palpable mass. The cancer cells can clog the lymphatic system just below the skin. Lymph node involvement is often assumed. Increased breast density compared to prior mammograms should be considered suspicious.

A certain percentage of the women and men who are diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer are initially misdiagnosed. The symptoms are similar to Mastitis, a relatively minor breast infection. Most physicians will prescribe antibiotics to rule out Mastitis. If after a week, the symptoms do not dissipate, a biopsy should be performed.

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