The characteristics of a woman’s tumor, her medical history, and the stage of her cancer all play a role. Discuss your prognosis with your doctor. Current research is increasing our understanding of this type of cancer. More accurate prognosis and treatments are now available thanks to molecular research. It is also possible to participate in clinical trials for inflammatory breast cancer.
Treatment options for inflammatory breast cancer depend on its stage. If it has spread beyond the breast, it is considered stage IV and may require chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted drugs. Inflammatory breast cancer can spread to distant areas of the body, and patients with the disease may benefit from experimental treatments or clinical trials to see if they are more responsive to certain therapies. As an early-stage cancer, inflammatory breast cancer often spreads rapidly to the lymph nodes surrounding the breast, and 1 out of three patients with this form of cancer already have spread to distant parts of the body. The cancer usually recurs after it has spread, and survival rates are lower than those of other types of breast cancer.
Treatment for inflammatory breast cancer can include taking antibiotics to alleviate the symptoms and getting tests to look for cancer. If symptoms persist or the affected area becomes larger, consult with a specialist. During the early stages, antibiotics and other treatments can be used to reduce the risk of recurrence. If the cancer is not caught early, it may spread to distant sites. A photo of the breast may help doctors document the size and amount of redness.
Inflammatory breast cancer is difficult to distinguish from non-inflammatory localized breast cancer. Skin dimpling, satellite skin nodules, and ulceration are not indicative of inflammatory breast cancer. Diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer should be based on an interprofessional approach. The initial diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer should include a core needle biopsy. Inflammatory breast cancer is often difficult to detect without a biopsy.
Treatment of inflammatory breast cancer is aggressive and often requires surgery to remove the affected area. Despite the aggressive nature of the cancer treatment, many women undergo a mastectomy, also known as modified radical mastectomy. In addition to chemotherapy, surgeons may also administer targeted therapies. These treatments are called adjuvant therapies. They can improve a patient’s response to therapy and extend their life expectancy. It’s important to understand the risks and benefits of treatment before undergoing surgery.
Inflammatory breast cancer treatment may involve a chemotherapy course, which is generally given prior to surgery. It shrinks the tumor, making it easier to remove during the surgery. The typical course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy is six cycles over a period of four to six months, and the drugs used are anthracycline drugs and taxane. It is important to remember that chemotherapy may have side effects and you should speak with your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of each type of treatment.
