Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Inflammatory breast cancer is an unusual form of breast cancer that can be very deadly. The disease occurs when passages of the lymphatic system located in and around the breast clogged by cancer cells. This leads to a swelling of the breast and a spreading of cancerous cells all through various parts of the breast.

Mammogram Screening for Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Much of the threat caused by inflammatory breast cancer is it’s lack of detect ability when it comes to a regular mammogram screening. To diagnose cases of breast cancer in women, Mammograms are commonly used, but it is hard to detect inflammatory breast cancer using a mammogram because of the nature of the disease. Unlike most types of cancer in which one benign mass forms, in inflammatory breast cancer, ‘nests’ of tumor material are present throughout in different areas of the breast.

Since mammograms are used to perceive large lumps, it is practically impossible to diagnose inflammatory breast cancer via a mammogram. That is one of the largest problems with the disease – it has an 80 percent mortality rate, most likely because the disease is not diagnosed while it’s in an early stage.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Since when it comes to diagnosing inflammatory breast cancer, mammograms are so ineffective; so as to make sure you are not afflicted with this often deadly disease, regular self-examinations are necessary. Be sure to note any changes in appearance in the breast; those with inflammatory breast cancer usually note an increase in size of one of their breasts. In addition, inflammatory breast cancer may be present if the skin of the breast starts to dimple, causing the texture of the breast to be like that of an orange peel. A case of inflammatory breast cancer often accompanies itchiness, irritation and may be the bruising of the breast. Also, the breast may be warmer in temperature than normal, and the skin of the breast may grow to be thicker.

Many of the same treatments used for regular breast cancer patients are employed to diagnose a case of inflammatory breast cancer. Those trying to fight the disease may undergo surgery to remove the tumor material, get radiation therapy, or participate in chemotherapy sessions in an effort to combat the cancer. Approximately 5 percent of all breast cancer cases are due to inflammatory breast cancer, and it can strike any demographic. The disease tends to strike younger women, and even adolescents, but all age groups are able to contract the cancer.

Males are also able to contract inflammatory breast cancer, although their chance of getting the disease is much lower than the risk that is faced by women. Since the limitations of our medical technologies obstruct our ability to detect the disease precisely, if you think that you have symptoms, it’s important to discuss them with a doctor immediately. If the doctor doesn’t think that inflammatory breast cancer is present, it can be helpful to get a second opinion. Your health is your responsibility so it’s important to be sure that you are safe.