Inflammatory Breast Cancer: The Other Cancer
By Brie Cadman / Divine Caroline
Most women know what to look for with breast cancer — a suspicious lump during a self-exam, an abnormal spot on a mammogram. However, there’s another type of breast cancer that most women haven’t heard of that doesn’t have the telltale tumor.
Instead, it appears more like an infection — red and irritated skin, with breast tenderness or swelling. But because these unusual symptoms are often ignored, overlooked, or misdiagnosed, knowing about inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a rare but aggressive form of breast cancer, can be life-saving.
The Other Breast Cancer
With IBC, which accounts for 1 to 5 percent of all breast cancer cases in the United States, the typical early warning signs of a lump or abnormal mammogram may be missing. Underlying cancer cells block lymphatic tissues, causing the breast to swell and change color. The symptoms often mimic an infection. According to the National Cancer Institute, things to look for include:
* Redness, swelling, and warmth in the breast, often without a distinct lump
* Skin that appears pink, red, purple, or bruised; the skin may also have ridges or appear pitted.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HerWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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