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What Is IBC? Symptoms What To Do Treatments
What is IBC?
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a somewhat rare and often very aggressive form of breast cancer, accounting for one to four percent of all breast cancers diagnoses.
IBC is an advanced and aggressive breast cancer that travels through the lymphovascular system, causing blockage of the lymph vessels in the skin over the breast. This results in the breast having a red, warm, and swollen appearance. The skin may develop a thick, pitted appearance that resembles an orange peel and is referred to as "peau d'orange." The symptoms sometimes can be very similar to a breast mastitis (infection).
While IBC can occur at any age, the average age of those diagnosed is younger than in most breast cancers and is typically under the age of 45.
What are the symptoms of IBC?
Not all breast cancer presents itself in the form of a lump. Symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer include:
- Redness of the skin, such as a rash or "sunburn" appearance
- Nipple flattening or retraction
- Thickening or hardening of the skin
- Dimpling or pitted apperance
- Skin feels warm
- Increase in breast size, swelling
- Tenderness in the breast may or may not be present
What Do I Do Next?
Report the symptoms to a doctor immediately.
Inflammatory breast cancer is considered the most aggressive form of breast cancer and immediate treatment is needed after diagnosis.
What Are the Current Treatments?
IBC is often difficult to detect on a mammogram because the cancer does not typically form a lump that is easily seen with the standard technology available. Diagnosis will likely result from a biopsy.
Current treatment usually involves initial chemotherapy to stop the cancer from spreading and reduction of the mass. Additional treatments depend on the extent of the cancer and its response to initial chemotherapy, but usually involve surgery, radiation, and perhaps additional chemotherapy.
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