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Inflammatory Breast Cancer Center - Waterloo, IA

Waterloo Oncologist Doctors for Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Type of Physician: Oncologist

What is a Oncologist?

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; the oncologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of cancer and other benign and malignant tumors. These subspecialists decide on and administer chemotherapy as well as consult with surgeons and radiotherapists on other treatment for cancer.

Specialty: Oncology (Medical)

Common Name: Cancer Doctor

Oncologist Doctors in Waterloo *

University of Iowa Health Care
Gerald H Clamon
200 Hawkins Dr
Internal Medicine Dept STE STE C-32 GH
Iowa City, IA 52242
(319) 356-1932

Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
Mark W Karwal
200 Hawkins Dr
STE 5977
Iowa City, IA 52242
(319) 353-7900

McFarland Clinic Oncology
Debra M Prow
1215 Duff Ave
William R Bliss Cancer Ctr
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-4401

Waterloo, Iowa

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Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Introduction

Inflammatory breast cancer is an accelerated form of breast cancer that is usually not detected by mammogram or ultrasound.

It is a rare cancer, accounting for approximately 1% - 3% of all breast cancers. Inflammatory breast cancer causes the breast to appear swollen and inflamed. The inflammation occurs because the cancer cells block the lymphatic vessels in the skin of the breast. This causes a blockage in lymph flow leading to the reddened, inflamed appearance to the breast.

What Are the Symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer?

Unlike the more common form of breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer does not generally present as a lump. The disease grows as nests or sheets that clog the lymph system under the skin. Often the symptoms are attributed to other diseases and thus the diagnosis may take a long time to occur.

Symptoms include:

  • Pain in the breast. Often inflammatory breast cancer is mistaken as a breast infection and treated with antibiotics. If response to antibiotics doesn't occur after a week, request a breast biopsy or referral to a breast specialist.
  • Skin changes in the breast area. You may find pink or reddened areas often with the texture and thickness of an orange. (peau d'orange)
  • A bruise on the breast that doesn't go away
  • Sudden swelling of the breast
  • Itching of the breast
  • Nipple retraction or discharge
  • Swelling of the lymph nodes under the arm or in the neck.

How is Inflammatory Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

Inflammatory breast cancer is often misdiagnosed as another medical condition. It's important to pursue a breast or skin biopsy if treatments for another breast condition like an infection don't work.

How is Inflammatory Breast Cancer Treated?

Inflammatory breast cancer is an aggressive cancer that...

Recommended Reading Related to Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer in Young Women »

Introduction

Younger women generally do not consider themselves to be at risk for breast cancer. Only 5 percent of all breast cancer cases occur in women under 40 years old. However, breast cancer can strike at any age, and all women should be aware of their personal risk factors for breast cancer. (A risk factor is a condition or behavior that puts a person at risk for developing a disease.)

There are several factors that put a woman at high risk for developing breast cancer, including:

Risk factors include:

  • A personal history of breast cancer or non-cancerous breast disease
  • A family history of breast cancer, particularly in a mother, daughter or sister
  • History of radiation therapy Evidence of a specific genetic defect (BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation). Women who carry defects on either of these genes are at greater risk for developing breast cancer.
  • A Gail Index score of at least 1...

Emergency Contact for Waterloo

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Waterloo Hospitals *

Covenant Medical Center
3421 W Ninth St
Waterloo, IA 50702
(319)272-8000

Allen Memorial Hospital
1825 Logan Ave
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319)235-3941

Sartori Memorial Hospital
515 College St
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
(319)268-3000

Waverly Health Center
312 Ninth St SW
Waverly, IA 50677
(319)352-4120

Mental Health Institute
2277 Iowa Ave
Independence, IA 50644
(319)334-2583

Grundy County Memorial Hospital
201 East J Ave
Grundy Center, IA 50638
(319)824-5421

Buchanan County Health Center
1600 1st St E
Independence, IA 50644
(319)334-6071

Mercy Hospital Oelwein
201 8th Ave SE
Oelwein, IA 50662
(319)283-6000

Community Memorial Hospital
909 W First St
Sumner, IA 50674
(563)578-3275

Virginia Gay Hospital
502 N Ninth Ave
Vinton, IA 52349
(319)472-6200

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