...Inflammatory Breast Cancer
by Gwyneth Jones, HHP
Q: I just received a startling email with a video clip about IBC- Inflammatory Breast Cancer. Why have I not heard about this before?
A: It is rare, although IBC diagnosis is becoming more frequent.
Q: What are the symptoms?
A: Any one or more of the following: Sudden swelling, maybe a cup size in a few days. Itching, pink, red or dark colored areas sometimes the texture of orange peel. You may see ridges or thickened areas. The nipple may retract or have some discharge. The breast may warm to the touch. Pain, a dull ache to a sharp pain may be present. You may see change in the areola color. IBC develops in a sheet rather than a lump.
Q: What are the causes of Inflammatory Breast Cancer?
A: Despite its name, inflammatory breast cancer isn't caused by an inflammation or infection. IBC occurs when cancer cells clog the lymph vessels in the skin covering the breast. The blockage causes the red, swollen and dimpled skin that's a classic sign of IBC. However, the cause of the cancer is not yet known.
Q: Where do I get effective screening?
A: 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). Thermography is a screening procedure that detects changes in temperature.
Q: Where can I find Thermography screenings?
A: I checked on-line and found these two sites for the
Q: How is Inflammatory Breast Cancer treated?
A: This cancer is more aggressive in younger women than other breast cancers. IBC is likely to metastasize to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body before it is detected. If your doctor suspects Inflammatory Breast Cancer, he or she will recommend a biopsy, if confirmed, the next step is to determine how advanced your cancer is. A Chest X-ray, computerized tomography (CT) scan of your chest and abdomen, and bone scan, will but done to check for the presence of metastasis.
Q: How is it treated?
A: A combination of chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, hormone therapy and trastuzumab (Herceptin) - all of which have their own potential complications and risks. The key to successful treatment is early detection and prompt treatment. Remember, Inflammatory Breast Cancer is very aggressive and fast moving.
An alternative would be Thermoradiotherapy Treatments. Again I went on-line to find these sites. www.vci.org/inflamma.htm or www.alternativecancertreatmentclinic.com Do your research PLEASE. Choose your treatment wisely, as time is of the essence in successful treatment.
Q: Where can I get more information?
A: There is a lot of information if you will take the time to search. Compare the research and treatment protocols AND the success rates. These sites will get you started.
www.ibcresearch.org – for startling research information www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/inflammatorybreastcancer www.mayoclinic.com/health/inflammatory-breast-cancer
Q: What can I do to prevent this?
A: There is no known cause for IBC at this time. Regular breast checks and wellness check-ups will assure you of your health and well being. Relax, attend to the subtle nuances your body expresses. Keep yourself well informed about all your possibilities in your health care.
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