Inflammatory Breast Cancer
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Certainly we talk about breast cancer quite a bit. We should because it affects one out of every eight women. But, what we don't often discuss are the various forms of breast cancer.
For instance, there is a very serious form of breast cancer called inflammatory breast cancer, which is often confused with an infection in the breast tissue. It develops rapidly, making the affected breast red, swollen and tender. Inflammatory breast cancer occurs when cancer cells block the drainage system called the lymphatic vessels in the breast.
We call inflammatory breast cancer a locally advanced cancer — meaning it has spread to nearby tissue and possibly to nearby lymph nodes. As I mentioned, inflammatory breast cancer can easily be confused with a breast infection. If you notice skin changes on your breast, you should see your doctor right away to help distinguish a breast infection from other breast disorders, such as inflammatory breast cancer.
Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor
