Inflammatory Breast Cancer Clinic

Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is the most aggressive of breast cancers.

There is rarely a lump and it usually cannot be detected by mammography.  Frequently misdiagnosed as an infection, predominately because of the lack of a lump, precious time may be wasted in correctly diagnosing IBC.

The Inflammatory Breast Cancer Clinic at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia brings specialized diagnosis and treatment plus the research facilities needed for this under reported and overly misdiagnosed breast cancer.

Under the direction of Dr. Massimo Cristofanilli, and through his collaboration with the global IBC community of doctors and researchers, more and more women who get the proper diagnosis immediately are living longer and better than in the past. 

IBC is not a new type of breast cancer, but it is very important to distinguish IBC from other types of breast cancer because there are major differences in its symptoms, prognosis, and treatment.

Symptoms

IBC can present in a number of ways, and each patient's symptoms are unique, but a common feature is that those symptoms typically progress very rapidly, often within a matter of weeks. Inflammatory breast cancer symptoms may include all or a combination of the following signs and symptoms:

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  Inflammatory breast cancer of the left breast showing peau d'orange and inverted nipple.

  
  See National Cancer Institute information on
  Inflammatory Breast Cancer
  Breast swelling, which appears suddenly with one breast much larger than the other
• Itching
• Pink, red, or dark colored area, sometimes with a dimpling of the breast skin that looks like an orange peel (peau d'orange)
• Ridges and thickened areas of the skin
• Breast that feels warm to the touch
• Flattened or retracted nipple
• Breast pain

You do not need to have all of these symptoms to be concerned about inflammatory breast cancer. Since inflammatory breast cancer symptoms are very similar to those of an infection (mastitis), your doctor may prescribe a round of antibiotics. After ONE course of antibiotics, if your condition has not changed, it is strongly recommended that you seek an opinion from an IBC specialist and request a biopsy be performed to rule out IBC. Make an appointment with Dr. Massimo Cristofanilli at Fox Chase Cancer Center.
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Diagnosing inflammatory breast cancer at an early stage can possibly save your life.

Diagnosing Inflammatory Breast Cancer can be difficult since the cancer is not apparent on ultrasounds, and Mammograms are often painful and difficult for patients with a tender and swollen breast.  Diagnostic methods include Breast Sonogram, Breast MRI, PET Scans and Biopsy. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is the most sensitive imaging test for IBC. It can find any breast mass that looks like it could be invasive cancer. More importantly, MRI allows the skin changes that are typical of IBC to be measured precisely.

Specialized treatment under the direction of Dr. Massimo Cristofanilli

Noted breast cancer clinician and researcher Massimo Cristofanilli, MD, FACP, specializes in the treatment of patients with inflammatory breast cancer, the most aggressive form of breast cancer. Chairman of the Department of Medical Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center and G. Morris Dorrance Jr. Endowed Chair in Medical Oncology, he plays a vital leadership role in the Women's Cancer Center, overseeing all breast cancer care, and co-directs the Women's Cancer Program, one of Fox Chase's six core research programs within the Cancer Center. He focuses much of his attention on a broad range of translational research around the disease.

"Fox Chase Cancer Center has a vibrant, young and enthusiastic leadership that provides the ideal environment for rapid growth in this area," explains Dr. Cristofanilli. "I am proud to be part of this leadership team, contributing my passion, vision, and expertise."

A coordinated team of cancer care specialists work together to follow IBC patients through examination, care, and any continued monitoring. This team approach follows the "strong together" philosophy in pursuit of the best possible care for patients.

Cristofanilli received his MD from the University La Sapienza in Rome, Italy, where he also completed a fellowship in medical oncology. After arriving in the United States, Cristofanilli completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at Cabrini Medical Center in New York. He later became a fellow in medical oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where he founded and served as executive director of the highly regarded Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Program and Clinic.