Cancer that is inflamed in the breast is a rare but incredibly aggressive type. Compared to most other cancers, it has a higher mortality rate. Contrary to its name, IBC does not result from inflammation; rather, inflammation is merely a symptom of IBC. It does not only affect older women; it can also manifest in very young women. Despite having a low risk of IBC, men are not entirely protected from it.
In the breasts, there are lymphatic vessels. The malignant cancerous cells block these vessels when a person develops IBC. Compared to other types of breast cancer, IBC develops in female patients at a younger age. According to some studies, White people have a lower risk of getting this cancer than African Americans, who are also thought to be more susceptible when they are younger.
IBC’s most worrisome characteristic is its progression. It could take longer than two weeks for the cancer to progress to a very advanced stage after the first symptom manifests. The rapid progression of the cancer, however, may be one of the factors in an early diagnosis of IBC as the symptoms are very noticeable very early on.
Inflammatory breast cancer is distinct in that no lump formation is connected to it. Due to the inability of mammography and ultrasound to detect it and the frequent misdiagnosis of the condition, this characteristic makes it even more dangerous. The most accurate way to diagnose IBC is through biopsy.
Extremely tenderness and enormous swelling, which causes the breasts to appear bruised and inflamed, as well as extreme redness or purple-tinged coloration, are typical symptoms. There may be persistent itching and heaviness accompanied by burning aching sensations, the skin around the breasts may be rough and uneven, the nipples may invert, and there may be other symptoms as well. Common symptoms like a change in the color and texture of the breasts and areola are also present. Additionally, there may be swellings above and below your collarbone, under your arm, and elsewhere that you shouldn’t ignore.
Mastitis is the most typical incorrect diagnosis for this. Mastitis is merely a breast infection that exhibits the same signs as IBC, such as redness and swelling. Your symptoms for mastitis should start to go away after a week or two of treatment; if not, it’s not mastitis. Other conditions besides cancer, like chest operations, can also cause lymph vessels to become blocked. This is not cancer of any kind. Performing a biopsy is the best way to be sure.
Inflammatory breast cancer can be cured in almost fifty-five out of every hundred cases thanks to the extensive research being done in the area. What was a sure death two decades ago is now treatable! Although there is much to hope for, the IBC treatment available today is very extensive. Systemic treatments like chemotherapy and hormone therapy are followed by operations like mastectomy and then radiation therapy to reduce the likelihood of a recurrence, and then the treatment is finished!
Yes, the mortality rate for inflammatory breast cancer is still high, but try not to let that get you down. Remember that technology has improved and is still improving, and that there are people who genuinely care about you. You’ll lead the normal life you desire.