Inflammatory Breast Cancer(IBC; Inflammatory Carcinoma of the Breast; Inflammatory Breast Carcinoma)
by
Pamela Jones, MA DefinitionInflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. It grows in a sheet-like shape.
CausesCancer occurs when cells in the body split without control or order. These uncontrolled cells form a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to growths that invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. The cause of IBC is unknown. Risk FactorsIBC is more common in women over 50 and women who are African American. These factors may also increase risk:
SymptomsNormally, breast cancer cells create a tumor. IBC cells develop in a sheet-like pattern so you may not feel any lumps or masses. Symptoms start quickly and may include a breast that is:
The nipple of the breast may also be pulling inward. DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will also be done. Images may be taken of your breast. This can be done with: A biopsy will be done to remove a sample of tissue. It will be checked for cancer cells. If cancer is found, the tissue will also be tested to look for:
The physical exam combined with all of your test results, will help to determine the stage of cancer you have. Staging is used to guide your treatment plan. Like other cancers, IBC is staged from 1-4. However, IBC is usually found in later stages, so it is staged using IIB, IIC, and IV. Stage IIB is cancer in the chest wall. IIC is cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes. IV is cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. TreatmentTalk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital. The sooner it is found, the better the outcome. Treatment may include one or more of the following: ChemotherapyChemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be given in many forms, such as pill, injection, and by IV. The drugs travel through the body in the blood, killing mostly cancer cells. Some healthy cells are killed as well. SurgeryYou may need a modified radical mastectomy. This involves removal of the whole breast, lymph nodes under the arm, and the lining over the chest muscles under the breast. RadiationRadiation therapy is the use of radiation to kill cancer cells. It may be used:
OtherThere are other factors that can affect treatment such as:
PreventionMeasures to prevent breast cancer include: .
CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Breast Cancer Network https://www.cbcn.ca Canadian Cancer Society http://www.cancer.ca References:
Breast cancer in women. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated January 23, 2018. Accessed January 29, 2018.
Dawood S, Merajver SD, Viens P, et al. International expert panel on inflammatory breast cancer: consensus statement for standardized diagnosis and treatment.
Ann Oncol. 2011;22(3):515-523. Inflammatory breast cancer. National Breast Cancer Foundation website. ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed January 29, 2018. Inflammatory breast cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at:
https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/ibc-fact-sheet. Updated January 6, 2016. Accessed January 29, 2017. Treatment of inflammatory breast cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/treatment-of-breast-cancer-by-stage/treatment-of-inflammatory-breast-cancer.html. Updated August 18, 2016. Accessed January 29, 2018. Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP Last Updated: 5/21/2018 | |
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