A "sneaky" form of aggressive breast cancer has some unusual symptoms which most women can't identify. Specialist researchers into the disease say inflammatory breast cancer is hard to spot and "challenging to diagnose".
In a survey of 1,100 women, 78% recognised a lump in the breast as a sign of cancer but less than half - 44% - would flag redness on the skin. Of respondents, aged 18 and over, 34% knew one breast feeling warmer or heavier than the other was another symptom to look out for.
The disease can occur in any part of the breast. It is often misdiagnosed because it mimics symptoms similar to a breast infection.
As such, just 44% of those surveyed would identify thickening of the skin as a symptom, according to the study commissioned by the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC).
The symptoms also include engorgement of the breast, reports Medical Xpress. Dr Ko Un Park is a surgical oncologist leading a new inflammatory breast cancer programme at the OSUCCC.
She said: "Women should know that radical changes to the breast are not normal, and breast self-exams are still very important. Some 50% of inflammatory breast cancers are diagnosed as stage four disease.
"It is important for women to recognise changes in both the appearance and feel of their breasts so that changes can be discussed quickly with a physician. Although inflammatory breast cancer only represents 1% to 5% of all breast cancers in the United States, it is a sneaky disease and challenging to diagnose.
"It is critical that clinicians have a high level of familiarity with its subtle signs and be prepared to take immediate action to avoid belated diagnosis."
Signs of inflammatory breast cancer
- an orange peel-like texture or dimpling of skin;
- feeling of heaviness;
- tightening of the skin;
- engorgement of the breast;
- infection-like redness.
