Four Inflammatory Breast Cancer Signs & Six FAQs
Author: Vigdis S. Aas Added Time:
Nearly 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and over 40,000 will die from it. There are seven different types of breast cancer, some more severe and with a lower survival rate than others.One breast cancer type called inflammatory breast cancer, or IBC, is a unique and aggressive kind that is rare, accounts for 1 - 5% of all cases, but deadly. It is one of the only breast cancer types that have no lumps, which makes it one of the most undetectable and scariest.
There are four breast cancer signs that could mean you have inflammatory breast cancer:
oSkin around the breast is hot to the touch
oBreasts are asymmetrical and were not before
oThe skin becomes red or pink
oThere is discharge from the nipples
Below are six frequently asked questions about inflammatory breast cancer.
What should you do if you if you have these symptoms?
If any of these signs persist for more than a week, speak to a physician.
What is the median age affected?
Women 45 55 are more susceptible to this specific type of breast cancer.
How do you identify inflammatory breast cancer?
Through surgical biopsy; IBC cannot be identified through Mammogram, Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), or Core biopsy.
What is the survival rate?
IBC has a 40% survival rate over a five year period. Many times the surgeon may remove the breast too early and cause a reoccurrence.
How is Inflammatory Breast Cancer Treated?
Chemotherapy before surgery, as well as drugs such as trastuzumab and lapatinib.
About the Author:
If you know of anyone or you yourself are being faced with the signs of inflammatory breast cancer, see a physician as soon as possible. If you have already been diagnosed seek out support through the MyNBCF breast cancer message boards.
