What is inflammatory breast cancer? revisiting the case definition

Paul H. Levine, Ladan Zolfaghari, Heather Young, Muhannad Hafi, Timothy Cannon, Chitra Ganesan, Carmela Veneroso, Rachel Brem, Mark Sherman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

The case definition for inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is controversial. The American Joint Committee on Cancer defines IBC as redness, warmth and edema involving at least half the breast. The SEER program relies on a pathologic finding of dermal lymphatic invasion and recently added those with clinical involvement of more than 3/4 of the breast. We established a registry to collect information and specimens from IBC patients to clarify the epidemiology and biology of these tumors. The goals of this report are to suggest improvements regarding case definitions and provide data on the variety of presentations relevant to early diagnosis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)143-152
Number of pages10
JournalCancers
Volume2
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • AJCC
  • Biology
  • Clinical presentation
  • Diagnosis
  • Inflammatory breast cancer
  • SEER

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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