Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, "inflammatory breast cancer is when cancer cells obstruct the lymph vessels in the breast." Inflammatory breast cancer is often mistaken for a breast infection. According to the Mayo Clinic, anyone with a breast infection that does not heal with antibiotic treatment should visit a doctor as soon as possible. Inflammatory breast cancer is more common in women over the age of 50, but has been diagnosed in woman of all ages.
Symptoms
Symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer are different than those of regular breast cancer. It may affect only one breast. The breast may be red and hot to the touch. The breast may also swell and resemble the skin of an orange peel. It may itch and feel heavy, and you may also experience pain and tenderness to the touch. The nipple may flatten or become inverted. Any of these symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer often begins with a physical examination followed by a breast biopsy. The tissue of the breast can determine inflammatory breast cancer by examining the cancer cells and determining if they are tightly knitted clusters. If inflammatory breast cancer is confirmed, your physician may order additional testing such, as a CAT (CT) scan or a bone scan to see if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
Treatment
According to the Mayo Clinic, treatment of inflammatory breast cancer should begin with chemotherapy in an attempt to keep the cancer from growing and spreading further. The next step is surgical intervention. A total mastectomy followed by more chemotherapy is also recommended, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is further recommended that radiation treatment begin, in order to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Clinical Trials
According to the National Cancer Institute, new drug treatments are being tested in clinical trials. Individuals interested in participating or receiving information on inflammatory breast cancer trials can obtain this information by viewing the resources for clinical trails listed at the bottom of this article.
Prognosis
According to the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the three-year survival rate for patients diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer is 42 percent.
Tags: breast cancer, inflammatory breast, inflammatory breast cancer, Mayo Clinic, According Mayo
