Treatment and diagnosis of breast cancer has been possible due to public support in the awareness of breast cancer. Early detection of breast cancer and better treatments has reduced the number of mortality rates and the survival rates of breast cancer have improved significantly.
An accelerated type of breast cancer is IBC or inflammatory breast cancer. This cancer cannot be detected by a mammogram or by ultrasound. Almost one to three percent of all breast cancers are inflammatory breast cancers, though IBC is a relatively rare form of cancer. The affected breast becomes swollen and inflamed, which is one of the signs of this type of a breast cancer. The cancer cells block the lymphatic cells that exist under the breast skin which results in blockage of lymph flow, leading to inflamed redness which is also termed as mastitis. All these are characteristics of inflammatory breast cancer.
Symptoms:
In inflammatory breast cancer a lump generally does not occur and the person cannot even feel the lump, unlike the other types of breast cancer. The cancer develops as nests or sheets which clog up the lymphatic system underneath the skin. The symptoms are very often attributed to other diseases such as an infection and it is because of this that the diagnosis of inflammatory cancer takes a very long time. There are a number of breast cancer symptoms which need to be looked at seriously. A tumor is formed in the cells of breasts, which is called cancer of the breast. Though breast cancer is more widespread in women it may happen to both men as well as women. Right from changes in the skin to swelling in the breasts, breast cancer symptoms vary widely. An infection or a cyst might be the outcome of a non cancerous situation and the symptoms are very much like signs of breast cancer.
Changes and pain in the breast:
Many a times the inflammation in the breast is often mistaken as an infection which is then treated with antibiotics. It is when the inflammation refuses to subside that you need to get a referral to a specialist in breast cancer. You will need to ask for a breast biopsy too. There is a lot of redness in either whole or part of the breast which is one of the most distinctive characteristics of inflammatory breast cancer. Redness may come and go. The area of the breast may also become warm. The breast skin thickens and the texture of skin turns to that of an orange peel, along with redness on the breast. There can be bruises that do not go away easily. Discharge from the nipple and retraction of the nipple are the other breast cancer symptoms. The breast suddenly swells up and there is itching sensation. Also there is swelling in the lymph nodes in the underarm and neck. Many women affected by inflammatory breast cancer have a mass lump in the breast which cannot be easily detected in a breast examination. The breast becomes harder than normal thus making detection difficult. Within a period of few weeks breast cancer symptoms occur.
Diagnosis of breast cancer:
It is because of the nature of the breast cancer symptoms that diagnosis becomes difficult. An infection is commonly the cause of a breast getting red and swollen. Infection is the first thing diagnosed by any doctor. Breast feeding can cause infections and such infections subside with proper antibiotic treatment. However antibiotics do not get any response from breast cancer. A physical examination is conducted primarily, and mammogram, breast MRI, and ultrasound are also prescribed once breast cancer symptoms are noticed.
To confirm the diagnosis a biopsy is usually recommended. Although the redness and swelling worsens, there are some cases where a biopsy of inflammatory breast cancer comes back clear. This shows that to get an accurate diagnosis and to confirm diagnosis is rather tricky. For inflammatory breast cancer, chemotherapy is used as an upfront treatment which can be followed by radiation and then surgery. Also anti-estrogen and Herceptin may be used. Therapies like Avastin also have a major role to play in the treatment of inflammatory breast cancer. Depending on each individual case the sequence as well as the kind of treatment is defined.
As part of the monthly health concern routine of every woman, self examination of the breast should be compulsory. In case any changes are experienced in the breast, you must visit a physician immediately. At greater risks are women over forty and hence they should get a mammogram done every year as well as a physical check up by a physician. Chances of beating this cancer are better, when breast cancer symptoms are noticed at the earliest. Research and personal assimilation of medical breakthroughs help a lot in remaining well informed and better prepared.