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Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) – You Don’t Have to Have a Lump to Have Breast Cancer!If you don't know what Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is and you’re reading this, tell EVERYONE you know...they deserve to know! My great-grandma had breast cancer when I was a young child. My grandma was diagnosed when I was in my teens. My step-grandma was diagnosed in my early twenties. My mom was diagnosed when I was in my early thirties. With all the information available and all of the research being done to find a cure for breast cancer, why has no one ever mentioned Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)?! I did my first mammogram when I was 25 years old in order to have a baseline test to compare to future tests. I began having them done every two years after that, then every year since I turned 38. Last year, my doctor added ultrasounds to the testing to make sure we see anything that may develop, at a very early stage. And now I’m finding that there’s another form of breast cancer, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, that’s more dangerous than any other form I’m familiar with...and worse, that it doesn’t show up in the form of a lump at all. Typical Symptoms – Watch For These!! According to all of the research, most patients who have Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) do NOT experience all of the signs and symptoms, and it isn’t necessary to exhibit all of them in order to be diagnosed with IBC. It should also be noted that while Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is the most aggressive form of the disease, it makes up less than six percent of all the women diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States each year. • Rapid, unusual increase in breast size over a relatively short period of time (sometimes a cup size in a few days) • Redness, rash, or blotchiness on breast • Persistent itching of breast or nipple that doesn’t quit and can’t be relieved by oral drugs or topical creams or lotions • Breast is harder or firmer than usual • What appears to be a bruise that does not go away • Lump or thickening of breast tissue • Constant or stabbing pain and/or soreness of breast that’s not associated with menstrual cycle • Feverish breast (excessively warm to the touch) • Swelling of lymph nodes under the arm or above the collarbone • Change in color or texture of the areola (the pigmented area surrounding the nipple) • Nipple discharge • Dimpling of the breast that looks similar to the skin of an orange • Flattening or retracting of nipple • In rare cases, there have been reports where the first sign was lymphedema (swelling) of the arm Overcome the Fear
As for mammograms and other screening tests…One thing I learned at an early age is to always trust your intuition and what you know about your own body. Do not simply rely on interpretations and reports of mammograms or ultrasounds! IBC usually grows in nests or sheets, rather than as a confined solid tumor. It may not be detected using mammography or ultrasound. Watch for and ask about increased breast density compared to prior mammograms. The Key Is Awareness As with everything else, awareness is key…and one of the main goals of our site. You now know more about the signs, symptoms and seriousness of IBC than most everyone you know, so pass on the information. Spread the word and assist in saving lives. Let the people in your life know that you don’t have to have a lump to have breast cancer and that mammograms and ultrasounds are not enough! For Additional Information on IBC
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If you suddenly develop a lump or mass, have it checked immediately. As women, I know there’s a fear we have when our body’s not quite “right” because we know how many types of cancer are out there and how many things that can go wrong. I know from personal experience that it’s much better to find out early, than later. Please, for your sake and your family’s sake, don’t let fear keep you from having any unusual symptoms checked out! You’ll have to have it checked out eventually…don’t wait until it’s too late to do something about it (or spend months worrying about something that’s nothing). Always keep in mind that these signs and symptoms may be present in benign (non-cancerous) breast disorders as well, so do not become immediately alarmed.