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 What is Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)?

 IBC is the most aggressive form of breast cancer and has a faster doubling time than other breast cancers. (Doubling time is the time it takes for cancer cells to divide and grow.) IBC usually grows in nests or sheets in the breast rather than a solid tumor.

  Don't you have to have a lump in your breast to have breast cancer?

 No. Since IBC grows in the dermal lymphatic system there is often no breast lump. The cancer cells clog the lymph vessels just below the skin giving the classic symptoms of warmth and color changes to the skin.

  What are the symptoms of IBC?

 Rapid, unusual increase in breast size; Redness, rash, blotchiness or other skin color; changes of the breast; Persistent itching of breast or nipple; Lump or thickening of breast tissue; Stabbing pain and/or soreness of breast; Feverish breast; Swelling of lymph nodes under the arm or above the collar bone; Dimpling or ridging of breast; Flattening or retracting of nipple; Nipple discharge or change in pigmented area around nipple. Although the above symptoms may indicate a benign breast disorder, any change to your breast(s) should be reported to your healthcare professional immediately. In addition, these symptoms may appear quickly and suddenly.

 How is IBC detected?

Unfortunately, mammograms and ultrasounds often miss IBC unless there is a defined tumor. If you notice any of the symptoms above, go to your doctor so he or she can begin the diagnostic procedures.

 How is IBC diagnosed?

A skin punch biopsy, a needle core biopsy, MRI, and/or PET scan may assist in diagnosis. Any biopsy must include the skin and tissue in the layers below the skin surface. The biopsy report may say "dermal lymphatic involvement", rather than inflammatory breast cancer.

 What if the doctor says I have mastitis and puts me on an antibiotic?

 Since IBC symptoms are similar to those of mastitis, a benign breast infection, it is often misdiagnosed as such. After 7-10 days on antibiotics without significant improvement, insist on a biopsy.

 My doctor says I'm too young to have IBC. Is that possible?

IBC can occur at any age, although the incidence of IBC is higher in younger women. Though rare, even teenagers have been diagnosed with IBC.

 My doctor says that my rash is from detergent.

While skin rashes can be caused by allergic reactions or sensitivities to soaps and detergents, if a rash on your breast doesn't improve after you change detergents or persists; it is time to reassess the original diagnosis.

  I've heard that breast cancer doesn't hurt. Is that true?

Breast pain can come from hormonal changes and other non-cancer causes. However, more often than not pain accompanies IBC, so breast pain should not be ignored.

 If my doctor says "it's nothing" but I still have symptoms, what should I do?

 Since IBC makes up only 1% to 6% of all breast cancers, many doctors are not familiar with the disease and may not recognize it or make the correct diagnosis. If you're not satisfied with the answer get a second opinion from a breast care specialist who is knowledgeable about IBC.

  How is IBC treated?

 Current treatment starts with chemotherapy which usually continues until there is sufficient clinical response to permit surgery. A modified radical mastectomy (MRM) and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) are performed. Radiation and possibly more chemotherapy follow. In some cases hormonal treatment is used. Individual treatment can vary depending on specific circumstances. It is important to find a physician familiar with IBC to receive the best possible treatment.

  Are there clinical trials for IBC patients?

 Clinical trials are often available for patients with IBC. You can find information on these on the website of the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation at www.ibcresearch.org. In addition, you can visit the Research section of this website to get information on how to find breast cancer clinical trials.

 Where can I find more information in IBC?

 The Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation is the only organization dedicated solely to inflammatory breast cancer. Visit their website at www.ibcresearch.org or call the toll-free telephone line at 877-786-7422 for more information.