Inflammatory breast cancer takes lives of most of the people who develop it. It is a very “hostile” type of cancer, which thankfully, is also rare. It gets its name from the inflammation the breasts of the victim develop. Contrary to other forms of cancer, inflammatory breast cancer can develop in relatively younger females, too. Rarely do men develop IBC.
There are lymph vessels in the breasts. When a person develops IBC, the malignant cancerous cells block these vessels. IBC develops in women at a younger age, compared to other forms of breast cancer. Some studies also suggest that White people are less likely to develop this cancer than the African Americans, who are also said to be vulnerable at a younger age.
The progression of IBC is its most alarming feature. The time lapse between the first symptom appearing and the cancer reaching a very advanced stage may be leek than two weeks. This however, may be one of the reasons for early diagnosis of IBC, since the symptoms are very apparent early on due to the cancer’s fast advancement.
The unique characteristic of Inflammatory breast cancer is that no lump formation is associated with it. This characteristic makes it all the more dangerous, because mammography and ultrasound can not detect it, and it often goes undiagnosed, or misdiagnosed. Biopsy is the best method for diagnosing IBC.
The typical attributes of Inflammatory breast cancer are extreme redness, purple-ish bruised appearance, and swelling of the breast, which makes it look inflamed, hence the cancer’s name. The blocking of the lymph vessels by the cancer cells is the reason for both redness and swelling. Continual itching, a fast and constant increase in size of the breast, inverted nipples, tenderness, aches, heavy and burning sensations are all associated with Inflammatory breast cancer. Sometimes, the skin of the breast may also appear pitted, medically called peau d’orange, and this is due to swelling and accumulation of fluids. Also, the areola or the skin around the nipple can change in color, the skin of the nipple can swell, and lymph nodes on either side of the collarbone and under the arm can swell.
IBC is often confused with mastitis or breast infections that show the same symptoms. Sometimes, previous operations can partially block the lymph vessels of the breast, too, and give rise to redness and tenderness. This should not be confused with Inflammatory breast cancer. Remember, the symptoms regress after a week or two or treatment for mastitis.
Due to tremendous number of researches going into the field, Inflammatory breast cancer can be cured in almost fifty five out of every hundred IBC cases. What used to be a certain death two decades back is curable today! Today, the treatment for IBC is very extensive, although it gives a lot to hope for. Systemic therapies like chemotherapy and hormone treatments are backed up by surgeries like mastectomy and then by radiation therapy, to eliminate chances of a recurrence, and the treatment is done!
Through all the misery of Inflammatory breast cancer, you should remember the figures of mortality rate decreasing immensely. These indicate that you have a great chance of fighting if off and being happy like all other people that you know.