Most women know the importance of breast self exams and regular medical check-ups in detecting potentially cancerous lumps. But how many know how to spot the symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer, which usually occurs without any palpable mass? Though rare -- affecting 1 to 6 percent of breast cancer patients, according to the Mayo Clinic -- inflammatory breast cancer is more aggressive and progresses faster than other types of breast cancer. It usually grows in nests or sheets, rather than as a confined tumor, according to the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and often goes undetected by mammograms and ultrasounds. In many cases, it is initially misdiagnosed as a breast infection, but its symptoms won't respond to antibiotics. Here is what to watch for: -- Swelling, usually sudden, sometimes as much as a cup size within a few days -- Itching and/or pain -- Pink, red or dark colored areas, sometimes with an unusual texture to the skin that is similar to that of an orange (called peau d'orange) -- Nipple retraction and/or nipple discharge, which may be bloody -- Change in color and texture of the areola For more resources and information on treatments and research, visit www.ibcresearch.org. 