Beyond The Shock®

Types & Stages

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Chapter: 5 - Types & Stages

Subchapter: 7 - Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Inflammatory Breast Cancer is another uncommon but aggressive form of cancer, in which abnormal cells infiltrate the skin and lymph vessels of the breast. This type of cancer usually does not produce a distinct tumor or lump that can be felt and isolated within the breast. Symptoms begin to appear when the lymph vessels become blocked by the cancer cells; the breast typically becomes red, swollen, and warm. The breast skin may appear pitted like an orange peel, and the nipple’s shape may change, causing it to appear dimpled or inverted.

Typically, Inflammatory Breast Cancer grows rapidly and requires aggressive treatment. It may be classified as Stage 3B, 3C, or even Stage 4, depending on your physician’s diagnosis and the results of your biopsy. The treatment most oncologists recommend includes initial chemotherapy followed by a mastectomy and chest wall radiation therapy. The doctor may recommend additional chemotherapy and hormone treatments following radiation.

Related Questions

In Southern California, where can a 31-yr old go for mental health counseling. She has be told there is a need for her to have a mascetomy immediately.

Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer

over 1 year ago 1 answers •
- anonymous
  
  Stage 4 Patient
  
  The American Cancer Society has a wealth of resources for people that have been diagnosed with cancer including support groups, counseling, etc. They have local offices all over the US. They also have a very helpful website that includes a toll-free number.
  Comment 0
How did your kids react to your hair loss? I have a five year old girl and she's scared.

Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer

12 months ago 11 answers •
- View all 11 answers
- anonymous
  
  Survivor since 2003
  
  Kelly, my daughter was 4 when I was first diagnosed I had been open and honest about my breast cancer and the need for surgery to get rid of it. Thought all was good as my husband and I tried our best to be positive and continue living a regular live. When my daughter was in kindergarten...
  more
  Kelly, my daughter was 4 when I was first diagnosed I had been open and honest about my breast cancer and the need for surgery to get rid of it. Thought all was good as my husband and I tried our best to be positive and continue living a regular live. When my daughter was in kindergarten the teachers aide was wearing pink for the month of October and she told the class that her mother died from breast cancer. This was about a year after my diagnosis my daughter was coloring at the table and out of the blue says "mrs. -- said if you have breast cancer you die ". I was dumbfounded took a deep breath and tried to reassure my daughter told her I had breast cancer and did not die. Breast cancer can be treatable. My daughter said "okay " and went on coloring. It wasn't until she said that, that i realized my daughter was scared I would die. She is now 12 I think that fear is still in the back of her mind. She will see a doctors appt on the calendar and she'll question me what it is for. I think it is a bit hard for girls they see what we are going through and they wonder if they will have to go through the same thing. When my cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer her daughter was twelve and just starting to develop her concern was that she was doomed and wondered when she herself would get breast cancer. Just have to reassure our daughters. Just because we have cancer doesn't mean we will die. Just because we have cancer doesn't mean they will too. Most important is to let them know that cancer is yucky but there are many survivors and every year better testing and better treatments. I did not need chemo, so I can't really answer your question about what to tell your daughter about loosing your hair, but I thought sharing my experience with my daughter might give you a little insight. Take care hugs
  Comment 2
- anonymous
  
  Learning About Breast Cancer
  
  Kelly I am taking my son with me when I shave it so he knows that I did it to myself.
  Comment 2
I had stage two triple negative breast cancer finished chemo are not on any pills is that normall

Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer

about 1 year ago 8 answers •
- View all 8 answers
- anonymous
  
  Learning About Breast Cancer
  
  If you are triple negative, you would not need tamoxifen or herceptin, as those are for hormone positive and HER2 positive breast cancers respectively. I would ask your oncologist if they reco
  1 comment 1
- anonymous
  
  Survivor since 2011
  
  Also triple negative and no drugs after treatment because tumor doesn't respond to them. Cancer free after chemo, lumpectomy, radiation. Finished on jan 27. Best wishes to you. Chemo should kick your tumor in the butt!
  1 comment 1