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Inflammatory Breast Cancer

© Bobbi Jones

What is Inflammatory Breast Cancer?
If you look up IBC on the web, almost all the references are copies of the NCI summary, which is factually correct, but not very helpful. IBC is a relatively rare form of breast cancer (about 1-4%), and symptoms usually include the following:

• A warm swollen breast that does not change through the menstrual cycle or respond to antibiotics
• Skin which is red or appears dimpled like an orange (peau d'orange)

Other possible signs of IBC include:

• The sudden appearance of a large lump in the breast
• Itching or pain in the breast
• A nipple which is flattened or inverted, possibly with a discharge
• Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or above the collarbone

These symptoms often appear with IBC because the cancer is fast-growing and blocks the lymph vessels in the breast and skin. All of the listed symptoms may also be present with benign breast disorders. Different women have different symptoms, and although IBC is normally associated with infiltration of the skin lymphatic system, in some cases there may be no visible skin changes.
Most forms of breast cancer grow slowly, so it is safe to spend a few weeks doing research, getting second and third opinions, and making decisions. Unfortunately IBC is aggressive, and unnecessary delays are not a good idea. Having said that, it is important to have an experienced and skilled doctor you trust and who communicates well with you, and if the doctor who is going to treat you does not, it's a good idea to find one who does. You may want to ask your doctor some of the following questions, and get a second opinion if you have any doubts.

• In what specialties are you board certified?
• At what hospital do you have admitting privileges?
• How many patients with IBC do you treat each year?
• How often will I see you during treatment?
• If I see other specialists, will you be working as a team?
• What does my pathology report say, and what does it mean?
• What are my treatment options, from none to the most aggressive?
• What course of treatment are you recommending for me?
• What are the possible side effects, and how can I manage them?
• How successful has this course of treatment been for other patients?
• What are my options if the treatment doesn't work?
• Are there any clinical trials that might offer me promising new treatments?
• Will you allow me to make decisions about treatment after listening to your advice?
• How do you feel about faith, visualization and alternative medicine?