Inflammatory breast cancer

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Drawing of female breast affected with inflammatory cancer (right)
Drawing of female breast affected with inflammatory cancer (right)

Inflammatory breast cancer[1] is an especially aggressive[2] type of breast cancer that can occur in women of any age (and, although extremely rarely, in men). It is unique because it often does not present with a lump and therefore often is not detected by mammography or ultrasound.[3]

IBC or Inflammatory Breast Cancer causes breast changes in the nipple and surrounding areas. Other symptoms include rapid increase in breast size, redness, persistent itching, skin hot to the touch. IBC often initially resembles mastitis, and is sometimes misdiagnosed as an insect bite.

Inflammatory breast cancer is defined histologically by the presence of cancer cells in the subdermal lymphatics on skin biopsy. Diagnosis is done with an MRI or biopsy.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Questions and Answers. National Cancer Institute. Retrieved on 2006-12-02.
  2. ^ Inflammatory breast cancer. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Retrieved on 2006-12-02.
  3. ^ Facts for Life - Inflammatory Breast Cancer (PDF). Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Retrieved on 2006-12-02.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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