Inflammatory breast cancer
Donald Aulds, M.D.
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) also referred to, as inflammatory carcinoma of the breast, is the least common or lesser-known form of breast cancer. It is an advanced and accelerated form of breast cancer and difficult to diagnose. It is often difficult or nearly impossible to diagnose with mammogram or ultrasound. It is a very aggressive type of breast cancer and is called "inflammatory" because the breast usually looks inflamed. It makes up approximately 2-5% of all breast cancer in North America. It occurs most frequently in younger women and more commonly in African American women. IBC can also occur in men, but usually at an older age.
What are the symptoms most commonly associated with IBC?
Symptoms and signs of IBC listed below may be associated with infections or injury as well as IBC. If one or more of the symptoms are present be sure to see your physician.
Remember: You do not have to have a lump to have breast cancer. The symptoms and signs include:
- Increase in breast size usually over a short period of time
- Itching that is unrelieved by topical or oral drugs
- Ridges and thickening of the skin of the breast with redness or dark-colored areas ( usually referred to as peau d'orange or orange peel skin)
- Bruising like areas that do not fade
- Nipple flattening or retraction
- Nipple discharge that is unexplained
- Heat to the touch
- Firmness of the breast
- Breast pain that is constant and often described as stabbing
- Changes in color and texture of the areola
- Swollen lymph nodes under the arms or above the collarbone
- Diffuse infiltration of the breast without a well-defined tumor
- Swelling of the arm
How is IBC usually diagnosed?
Diagnosis of IBC is based primarily on the results of examination by a physician. Biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis since mammogram and ultrasound rarely show the condition. IBC is classified as either stage IIIB (locally advanced) or stage IV (advanced to other organs).
What treatments are available for IBC?
Treatment usually consists of chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and hormonal therapy. Usually chemotherapy is the first course of therapy followed by surgery and radiation. Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to control or kill cancer cells, including any that may have spread to other parts of the body. Surgery may include mastectomy and lymph node dissection. Radiation therapy is used to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery. Hormonal therapy may include Tamoxifen or Arimadex to block estrogen stimulation which might promote the growth of breast cancer cells. Therapy should also include psychological, social and spiritual support.
What is the prognosis for patients with IBC?
Five-year survival rates reported in many studies are between 25-50 percent, and this is much lower than survival rates for other types of breast cancer. Regardless of what the statistics indicate, each patient is unique and survival is individualized. Please discuss all aspects of therapy and prognosis with your doctor.
If you are diagnosed with IBC, please find out as much information as you can. There are support groups available so take advantage of every resource that you can find.
More about Dr. Aulds
Donald G. Aulds, MD is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist and currently serves as the Medical Director for both the Women's Center and the Best Start Program of North Alabama. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Dr. Aulds completed his medical education at Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA and his Internship and Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Ochsner Medical Foundation, New Orleans, LA.
Dr. Aulds has been an active member of the Huntsville Hospital Medical Staff since 1980.
