Survival rates for women with inflammatory breast cancer vary, and are often based on large numbers of patients. However, survival rates vary widely among women and depend on the stage and location of the disease, as well as the overall health of the patient. The prognosis for inflammatory breast cancer is often poorer than for other types of the disease, primarily because the cancer spreads rapidly and does not respond well to treatment. For these reasons, it is important to talk to your doctor about your treatment options and the possibility of participating in clinical trials.
The symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer may include rapid and accelerated growth of the breast, a heaviness of the breast, a nipple that is inverted, and swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or near the collarbone. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you may have inflammatory breast cancer. Moreover, this type of cancer may cause symptoms similar to those of other forms of the disease, including pain and swelling of the breast.
Although there are several treatments for inflammatory breast cancer, the survival rate of patients with this type of disease is lower than for those with other types. Because of the low survival rate, doctors may use hormone therapy to inhibit the growth of tumors. Another treatment option is to block the production of estrogen by using aromatase inhibitors. This chemotherapy helps shrink tumors and lower the chances of recurrence. Alternatively, surgery may be performed to remove the entire breast. In this case, the affected breast may be removed and the lymph nodes under the adjacent arm are often preserved. The breast muscles may be preserved but a small muscle called the pectoralis minor may be removed.
The main prognostic factors for early stages of IBC include the size of the tumor and the number of axillary lymph nodes involved. The disease must be at least stage IIIB to be diagnosed as inflammatory. Currently, there is no pathognomonic molecular signature to distinguish this cancer from other types of breast cancer. But, with newer guidelines, the clinical characteristics of IBC are the key to its diagnosis.
An early diagnosis is essential for a positive outcome from treatment. Even if inflammatory breast cancer is relatively rare, it is still a potentially dangerous condition. Most women with the disease will undergo treatment for at least three months, and many will survive for years. The average life expectancy for this cancer is approximately 40%. Inflammatory breast cancer is more likely to occur in women who are overweight or African American. This type of cancer is highly aggressive.
Treatment for inflammatory breast cancer is based on the multimodal approach of treating metastatic breast cancer. This treatment includes chemotherapy and surgery. Radiotherapy can also be used. Generally, inflammatory breast cancer patients will receive radiation therapy or chemotherapy. There is limited evidence to show whether these treatments have improved survival. A combination of both approaches has a better chance of improving patient outcomes. It is important to understand your condition and your risk factors before starting any treatment.
