Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Facts and Information
Author: Thomas C. Weiss
Published: 2009/01/09 - Updated: 2023/01/29
Category Topic: Breast Cancer - Academic Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: Inflammatory Breast Cancer is a form of cancer that requires immediate and very aggressive forms of treatment with chemotherapy. Inflammatory Breast Cancer is somewhat different in that it grows in sheets or nests instead of in a confined, solid tumor.
Introduction
Breast cancers vary in form, and there is more than one kind of breast cancer. Inflammatory Breast Cancer requires chemotherapy before any surgical intervention, and it is treated differently than other, more common forms of breast cancer.
The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has included Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) as a Compassionate Allowance to expedite a disability claim.
Main Content
Public service announcements and education through various organizations and the medical community have taught us that when a woman discovers a lump on their breast, they should see their doctor immediately.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer is somewhat different in that it grows in sheets or nests instead of in a confined, solid tumor. Because of this type of growth can diffuse throughout the breast and have no palpable mass that can be felt as a lump. Instead, cancer cells in the lymphatic system clog that system right below the skin, and lymph node involvement is assumed. The density of the breast, and an increase in that density compared to prior mammograms, is considered suspicious.
It is important to remember that you do not have to discover a lump in your breast to have Breast Cancer.
Many women with Inflammatory Breast Cancer continue to go undiagnosed for extended periods, even though they have seen their doctor find out about symptoms they have been experiencing.
Some of the symptoms are similar to mastitis, which is a breast infection.
Some doctors who do not recognize Inflammatory Breast Cancer prescribe antibiotics to treat mastitis instead of recognizing an inflammatory Breast Cancer. Should your doctor prescribe antibiotics in this situation, and a response to those antibiotics is not apparent within a week; a biopsy needs to be performed, or you should be referred to a doctor who specializes in Inflammatory Breast Cancer.
There is a difference in the ages of women who are diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer versus Breast Cancer.
- The median age at the time of diagnosis for women who are diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer is fifty-six.
- The median age for women who are diagnosed with Breast Cancer is sixty-two.
Surprisingly, a portion of young women have experienced their first symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer during pregnancy or lactation. There is a misconception that younger women are at a lower risk for Breast Cancer. The fact is that Inflammatory Breast Cancer is the most aggressive form of Breast Cancer. It may very well metastasize.
There is a foundation called the 'Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation,' or 'IBC Research Foundation,' dedicated to researching the cause of Inflammatory Breast Cancer. The IBC Research Foundation recognizes that this form of Breast Cancer is not usually detected by mammograms or ultrasound imaging tests and is actively pursuing research.
Author Credentials: Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses earning a Masters, Bachelors and two Associate degrees, as well as pursing Disability Studies. As a CNA Thomas has providing care for people with all forms of disabilities. Explore Thomas' complete biography for comprehensive insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.