Breast Cancer Advice Center

Has anyone dealt with or had inflammatory breast cancer?

what were your symptoms? I've read WebMD etc, but I'd like real life info too on what else to look for..... serious answers only please!!!

Public Comments

1. IBC is so often misdiagnosed as mastitis (a simple breast infection).
   Symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer, IBC
   One or more of the following are Typical Symptoms of IBC.
   YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE A LUMP TO HAVE BREAST CANCER*
   Rapid, unusual increase in breast size
   Redness, rash, blotchiness on breast
   Persistent itching of breast or nipple
   Lump or thickening of breast tissue
   Stabbing pain and/or soreness of breast
   Feverish breast
   Swelling of lymph nodes under the arm or above the collarbone
   Dimpling or ridging of the breast
   Flattening or retracting of nipple
   * If you suddenly develop a lump or mass, have it checked
   
   Use of Antibiotics: An Infection or IBC?
   Some symptoms of IBC are often thought to be those of mastitis, an infection, resulting in treatment with antibiotics, and sometimes, but not always, the antibiotic treatment changes the appearance of clinical symptoms. The reason for an apparent response to antibiotics when IBC is present is not known and may delay the diagnosis of IBC.
   
   Screening and diagnosis
   Diagnosing inflammatory breast cancer can prove difficult. Often no lump can be felt, and the area of concern may not show up on a mammogram. Additionally, the signs and symptoms can be easily mistaken for a breast infection (mastitis).
   If your doctor suspects that you have inflammatory breast cancer, he or she will recommend a biopsy — taking a small sample of skin and tissue for microscopic analysis.
   
   Inflammatory breast cancer cannot be diagnosed via mammogram and/or ultrasound. These tests often do not expose ibc.Only a surgical biopsy can definitively diagnose ibc.
2. I don't know Im sorry.
3. In late November 2005 my sister noticed a scratch on her right breast. At first she thought it was a cat scratch as she has 6 cats. As time went by the "scratch" got bigger and looked infected. She started feeling larger in the right breast and had alot of pain. When she went to her PCP he said it wasn't cancer. Then she went to another doc for 2nd opinion and went in for mammogram. The specialist working and reading the films luckily specialized in IFB and diagnosed my sister in Jan 2006. She started out with chemo, then double mastectomy and followed with radiation. Although outcome is good right now the doctor is only stating 3 year survival term. I have lived this nightmare with her as I went to all appointments with her, surgery and moved in with her to care for her. Good Luck to you or whoever you know with IFB.
4. As a simple object lesson...cancer can oftentimes be traced back to free radicals causing oxidative stress to the cellular [lipid] membranes which can adversely impact our DNA. To neutralize or reduce this oxidation process (and also help repair the DNA), one must increase their level of antioxidants through the ingestion of fruits and vegetables (not synthetic supplements like A, C and E). The data is very conclusive on this.
   
   For your edification, I've posted several documents relating to this (including one IBC video) in my Yahoo Briefcase which you can freely download: http://briefcase.yahoo.com/apuzyr
   
   There is other information there, as well, which you may find useful pertaining to high protein diets, low carb diets, building up the immune system, ideal blood tests, macular degeneration, diabetic neuropathy, free radicals and antioxidants, phytonutrients, synthetic vitamins vs whole food supplements, etc.
   
   www.PreventionProof.com is another great resource. The research is highly credible and qualitative (published in both nutriceutical and medical journals). You will not find lame testimonials or some doctor's endorsement who is also "on the payroll".
5. increase, welling of the breast and discoloration are the easy signs. The best one to tell you is your gyno or breast surgeon.