Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that accounts for approximately 1-5% of all breast cancer cases. It is a rapidly progressing cancer that can occur at any age, but is more commonly diagnosed in younger women, particularly those under the age of 50.

What is Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)?

Inflammatory Breast Cancer is a type of breast cancer that affects the lymph vessels in the skin and soft tissue of the breast. Unlike other types of breast cancer, IBC doesn't typically present with a lump or mass that can be felt on a breast exam or seen on a mammogram. Instead, the breast may become swollen, red, and inflamed, and the skin may appear pitted, dimpled, or ridged, giving it the appearance of an orange peel. These symptoms can appear suddenly and progress rapidly, often over the course of just a few weeks.

Causes and Risk Factors of Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

The exact cause of IBC is not yet known. However, researchers believe that it may be related to changes in the genes responsible for controlling cell growth and division. Other factors that may increase the risk of developing IBC include:

• Family history of breast cancer

• Age

• Gender (IBC is more common in women than men)

• Race (IBC is more common in African American women)

• Obesity

• Smoking

• Alcohol consumption

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

The symptoms of IBC can develop rapidly, often over the course of just a few weeks. These symptoms may include:

• Redness, swelling, and warmth in the breast

• Breast pain or tenderness

• Thickened, dimpled, or ridged skin on the breast

• Flattening or inversion of the nipple

• Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or above the collarbone

• Itching or burning of the breast

• Unusual discharge from the nipple

Prevention and Treatment of Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

Because the causes of IBC are not yet known, there is no surefire way to prevent the disease. However, early detection is key to successful treatment. Women should perform monthly breast self-exams and report any changes to their doctor right away. Mammograms and other imaging tests may also be used to detect IBC.

Treatment for IBC typically involves a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. In some cases, hormone therapy may also be used. Because IBC is an aggressive and fast-growing cancer, treatment should be started as soon as possible to prevent the cancer from spreading.

Possibility of Oriental Medicine for Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

While there is no cure for IBC, some people turn to complementary and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, acupressure, and traditional Chinese medicine to help manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. These therapies can be used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments, but they should never be used as a substitute for medical care.

Acupuncture and acupressure are both based on the idea that the body has energy pathways, or meridians, that can be manipulated to restore balance and promote healing. During an acupuncture treatment, thin needles are inserted into specific points along the meridians to stimulate the flow of energy. Acupressure uses finger pressure on the same points.

Traditional Chinese medicine may also be used to help manage the symptoms of IBC. Chinese herbs, such as astragalus, may be used to boost the immune system, while acupuncture may help alleviate pain, fatigue, and other side effects of conventional cancer treatments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that can be difficult to detect due to its lack of a distinct lump or mass. Early detection is key to successful treatment, which typically involves a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. While complementary and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, acupressure, and traditional Chinese medicine may help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, they should never be used as a substitute for medical care. It is important for women to perform monthly breast self-exams and report any changes to their doctor right away. With prompt and appropriate treatment, the prognosis for IBC can be improved.

References

• "Inflammatory breast cancer: The disease, the biology, the treatment" by Wendy Woodward and Naoto T. Ueno (2010). This review article provides an overview of the clinical and biological features of inflammatory breast cancer, as well as the current treatment options and challenges.

• "Inflammatory breast cancer: an overview" by Naoto T. Ueno, Wendy Woodward, and Massimo Cristofanilli (2007). This article provides a comprehensive overview of inflammatory breast cancer, including its epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.

• "Complementary and Alternative Medicine Approaches for Inflammatory Breast Cancer: A Narrative Review" by Kathrin Milbury, Lorenzo Cohen, and Sharon H. Giordano (2018). This review article examines the evidence for various complementary and alternative medicine approaches for inflammatory breast cancer, including acupuncture, massage, acupressure, herbs, and yoga.

• "Inflammatory Breast Cancer: A Review of the Literature" by Omar A. Mahmoud, Amina A. Mahmoud, and Kathy A. Albain (2015). This review article summarizes the current knowledge on inflammatory breast cancer, including its epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment options.

• "Complementary and alternative medicine in inflammatory breast cancer: A systematic review" by Laura Badía and Josep M. Del Campo (2019). This systematic review examines the evidence for various complementary and alternative medicine approaches for inflammatory breast cancer, including acupuncture, massage, acupressure, herbs, and yoga.

• "Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Women with Inflammatory Breast Cancer" by Arlene A. Chung, Katherine Van Loon, and Sharon H. Giordano (2016). This article reports on a survey of women with inflammatory breast cancer about their use of complementary and alternative medicine, including acupuncture, massage, acupressure, herbs, and yoga.

• "Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Inflammatory Breast Cancer: A Case Series" by Laura L. Gangeri and Ka-Kit Hui (2004). This case series describes the use of traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture and herbal remedies, in the treatment of four patients with inflammatory breast cancer.

• "Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Inflammatory Breast Cancer: A Feasibility Study" by Lorenzo Cohen, Gabriel Lopez, and Sharon H. Giordano (2013). This feasibility study examines the use of various complementary and alternative medicine approaches, including acupuncture, massage, acupressure, herbs, and yoga, in women with inflammatory breast cancer.

• "Acupuncture for the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema: A systematic review and meta-analysis" by Xiao-ting Liu, Chen Chen, and Jing-ying Tian (2018). This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the evidence for the use of acupuncture in the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema, a common complication of breast cancer treatment.

• "Effects of Yoga on Physical Functioning and Health-Related Quality of Life in Women with Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials" by Yingchun Zeng, Jie Deng, and Zhongxue Chen (2019). This meta-analysis examines the effects of yoga on physical functioning and quality of life in women with breast cancer, including those with inflammatory breast cancer.