Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) was first seen in 1924 and continues to perplex researchers, geneticists, and oncologist. Only recently have genetic markers been linked to this rare form of breast cancer. IBC is one of the most atypical and hard-hitting forms of breast cancer. Oftentimes it is misdiagnosed as mastitis, a rash, or localized bacterial infection. Women may dismiss the signs of IBC as it does not present as a lump like most women are told to look for in other forms of breast cancer. IBC has a higher mortality rate and increased rate of metastases. IBC is typically seen with some sypmptoms like inflammation in the breast tissue with radiating heat and sometimes a skin rash. The inflammation is a result of cancer cells and tumors blocking lymphatic ducts in the surrounding breast tissue.
More research specific to IBC has been conducted in the past ten years than ever before but IBC continues to be a medical anomaly. Yet, there has been promising genetic research in recent news. Researcher Sofia Merjerver, M.D., PhD., codirector of a breast cancer research program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and her team located two genes that present one way in IBC versus other cells.
Furthermore, at the New York University Cancer Institute, researchers have identified a new gene called eIF4G1 that may be a potential genetic marker in those affected by IBC. Drs. Schneider and Silvera found that in the 37 IBC tumors biopsied “over 80% of the IBC tumors” had an over expression of this gene (Rowan 2009). Investigators continue to look for genetic changes linked specfically to IBC.
(Rowan. JNCI. 7 October 2009.)
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