What are the signs of inflammatory breast cancer?

image credit: www.rd.com

We know that if we find a lump in our breast, we should have it checked by a doctor, but many women do not know that you do not need to have a lump to have breast cancer .. Symptoms of IBC are similar to those of mastitis, a breast infection, and some doctors prescribe antibiotics. Different women have different symptoms and in some cases there may be no visible change in the skin. Any symptoms listed may also be present with Benin Breast Deorders. Some women with inflammatory breast cancer may remain undiagnosed for long periods of time, even if they see their doctor learn the cause of their symptoms.Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a relatively rare form of breast cancer (approximately 1-4%), and symptoms may include the following:

• A hot tumbled breast that does not change during the menstrual cycle
• The skin is red or appears like an orange (orange peel)
• Sudden onset of mass in breast or thickening of breast tissue
• Fast and unusual increase in breast size
• Discomfort or pain in the chest
• A flattened or inverted nipple, possibly with a discharge
• Lymph nodes swollen under the arm or above the clavicle

These symptoms often appear with IBC because the cancer is growing rapidly and blocks the lymphatic vessels in the chest and skin. If there is no response to antibiotics after one week, a biopsy must be performed or a referral to a breast specialist is warranted

For more information, including pictures, personal stories, and links visit the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation