Getting the Word Out

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

I just want to get the word out there about this often undetected breast cancer. As I have mentioned, my Mom is in the process of being tested to see if she has this or not.

For now, we do not know for sure. But I have done quite a lot of research on this and have found out that because of lack of awareness women are not getting diagnosed and treated in time. I am surprised at this lack of awareness about this type of breast cancer and feel as though if more women knew, it could be detected sooner and their longevity increased.

Please spread the word about this to all the women you know. If you want to, you can post this information on your own blog as well. We need to save lives and this is one way we can make a difference.

You don’t have to have a lump in your breast to have breast cancer.

Inflammatory breast cancer or IBC is a very aggressive cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer usually grows in nests or sheets, rather than as a confined, solid tumor and therefore can be diffuse throughout the breast with no palpable mass. The cancer cells clog the lymphatic system just below the skin. Lymph node involvement is assumed.

One or more of the following are Typical Symptoms of IBC:
· Swelling, usually sudden, sometimes a cup size in a few days
· Itching
· Pink, red, or dark colored area (called erythema) sometimes with texture similar to the skin of an orange (called peau d'orange)
· Ridges and thickened areas of the skin
· What appears to be a bruise that does not go away
· Nipple retraction
· Nipple discharge, may or may not be bloody
· Breast is warm to the touch
· Breast pain (from a constant ache to stabbing pains)
· Change in color and texture of the areola


A surprising portion of young women with IBC had their first symptoms during pregnancy or lactation. The misconception that these young women are at lower risk for breast cancer and the fact that IBC is the most aggressive form of breast cancer may result in metastases when the diagnosis is made.

Some women who have inflammatory breast cancer may remain undiagnosed for long periods, even while seeing their doctor to learn the cause of her symptoms. The symptoms are similar to mastitis, a breast infection and some doctors, not recognizing IBC, will prescribe antibiotics. If a response to antibiotics is not apparent after a week, a biopsy should be performed or a referral to a breast specialist is warranted.

Whether my own Mom has this or not, I feel as women, we need to keep each other informed so that we might help each other overcome potential problems or diseases that affect us as women.