Abstract
One of the most unique and highly aggressive types of cancer is known to be Inflammatory Breast Cancer. IBC is a distinct locally advanced breast cancer with a highly virulent course and extremely low 5- and 10-year survival rates. Although Inflammatory Breast Cancer only accounts for 1-3% of breast cancers it is estimated to account for 10% of breast cancer deaths annually in the United States. The accuracy of diagnosis and classification of this unique cancer is a major concern within patient and medical communities. This in turn has led to a strong advocacy movement. Historically, Inflammatory Breast Cancer was thought to be many different diseases but 100 years ago was defined as a unified disease. Over the past three decades several molecular studies have identified unique gene and protein signatures that make Inflammatory Breast Cancer a truly distinct entity. Despite this, the potential for inaccurate diagnosis and misclassification in cases of Inflammatory Breast Cancer is increased by many factors including its physical presentation.