Have you heard of it? Would you recognize it if you saw it?

A friend of mine just sent me this video of a news report about Inflammatory Breast Cancer or IBC. It can not be detected by breast examinations - there are no lumps!

Inflammatory breast cancer is an especially aggressive type of breast cancer that can occur in women of any age (and, although extremely rarely, in men). It is unique because it often does not present with a lump and therefore often is not detected by mammography or ultrasound.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) causes changes in the nipple and the surrounding areas. Invasion of the local lymphatic ducts impairs drainage and causes swelling of the breast. The accumulation of fluid causes the skin of the breast to assume a dimpled appearance reminiscent of the peel of an orange. Other symptoms include rapid increase in breast size, redness, persistent itching, skin hot to the touch. IBC often initially resembles mastitis, and is sometimes misdiagnosed as an insect bite.

Inflammatory breast cancer is defined histologically by the presence of cancer cells in the subdermal lymphatics on skin biopsy. Diagnosis is done with an MRI or biopsy.

For more information, please follow the link http://komonews.s3.amazonaws.com/ibc/komo_ibc.wmv which is the news broadcast about IBC. Also, follow this link www.mayoclinic.com/health/inflammatory-breast-cancer/BR00020 to the Podcast at the Mayo Clinic with Medical expert: Timothy Moynihan, M.D.