What is inflammatory breast cancer?

Aggressive Cancer: Ibc is an aggressive type of breast cancer that grows very rapidly and invades the lymphatics of the skin of the breast, giving the appearance of a breast infection; the breast is often red, swollen, tender, with a rash. By definition, cancer cells have gone 'elsewhere' at diagnosis; therefore, chemotherapy is given first, followed by mastectomy, and then radiation therapy.

Type of cancer: Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and very aggressive disease in which cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin of the breast. This type of breast cancer is called “inflammatory” because the breast often looks swollen and red, or “inflamed.” inflammatory breast cancer accounts for 1 to 5 percent of all breast cancers diagnosed in the United States.

Breast Cancer: Inflammatory breast cancer is an aggressive breast cancer. Even jn the face of this diagnosis treatment with chemotherapy followed by surgery and immediate breast reconstruction can leave patients with good results. I am willing to do these high risk cases to help provide women with the opportunity for breast reconstruction.

Dermal lymphatic inv: Inflammatory breast cancer is a very aggressive and rare firm of breast cancer that is defined by invasion of the dermal lymphatic channels in ones skin. This presents as a red spreading rash on the skin and may or may not be associated with an actual mass in the breast. Skin biopsy is used to diagnose it. Aggressive tx includes chemotherapy, mastectomy, and radiation. Reconstruction possible.

Looks like infection: Ibc occurs suddenly with breast pain, redness, or swelling or a rash. Mammograms are often negative because the tumor cells grow in a sheet and don't form a lump. It is very fast-growing and spreads quickly. Immediate chemotherapy is needed. It looks like an infection, so doctors often try antibiotics first, delaying diagnosis. See a medical oncologist immediately if you have these symptoms.

Start treatment NOW: Inflammatory breast cancer is an aggressive form of cancer that requires intensive therapy right away, starting with chemotherapy followed by surgery and radiation. If this is about you, make sure you get a good multidisciplinary team. Best to you.

Comply: Nowadays, even the more aggressive forms of breast cancer are often manageable or even curable. Get with a competent physician that you trust, get a second opinion if you wish, and cherish each day of life no matter what happens.