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Inflammatory Breast Cancer
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Photo by: Sandra Yun
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is a rare, and extremely aggressive form of Breast Cancer, making up just 1%-3% of all breast cancer cases, according to doctors at the Cleavland Cancer Center. Aside from it’s rarity, it might also be considered one of the fastest moving breast cancers studied to date.
The good news?
A cancer that gives warning signs you can see with your naked eye has taken all the mystery out of the game. When it comes to IBC, women will always have the upper hand, if they know what to look for (and, we’re not looking for a lump, this time, ladies).
IBC shows up as an inflammation on or under skin itself, and manifests into what might appear to be a red “spot”, a blemish, an ingrown hair, or an otherwise swollen area with a reddening at the site, which is all cause by cancer cells accumulating in the lymph vessels of the skin. Sometimes mistaken as a breast infection, antibiotics might be prescribed, however if symptoms persist or return, see your Dr. immediately. The sooner any cancer is caught, the easier it is to conquer.
Diagnosis and Stage Determination
Because IBC grows so rapidly, an early diagnosis is vital. IBC is diagnosed through three traditional means; Mammogram, Sonogram and Biopsy, and is classified into two stages: Stage IIIB (meaning the cancer is localized), or Stage IV, meaning the cancer has either spread the Lymph Nodes or other part(s) of the body. Clearly, the extent of treatment is dependent on the stage of your cancer at the time of your diagnosis.
Treatment Options for IBC
Typical treatment options for Inflammatory Breast Cancer include but are not limited to Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, Hormonal Therapy, and of course surgery. With IBC, patients often undergo radiation of the chest wall once the initial tumor has been removed and Chemo-therapy has been completed, so as to make sure to kill any and all possible left-over cancer cells.
Reducing the risk of recurring IBC
Recurrence of cancer (or rather the avoidance of a recurrence of cancer) is often forefront in a cancer survivors mind; luckily, we all have power, and we can all make choices. A healthy diet, keeping regularly scheduled Dr. visits (no matter how frequent they may seem), and taking responsibility for routine breast exams are just a few things you can do to maintain a healthy, proactive lifestyle. However, hormonal therapy to interfere with the progesterone hormone has proven highly effective, since it’s been determined that this hormone facilitates and accelerates the growth of breast cancer. Ask your Dr. whether or not this is an option for you.
From Surviving to Thriving
'Bonnie', a survivor from NY, says, “The words I live by are from writer/reporter Linda Ellerbee: "Breast cancer is part of my past and may be part of my future, but it's certainly not who I am. And while I don't expect to live forever, one can always hope." A positive attitude, zest for life, and strong support pillars will shift this diagnosis from a life changing event, to a life saving event in more ways than one.
Your life has just begun; it begins again in each new breath.
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