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Background: Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is a rare and highly aggressive form of breast cancer characterized by rapid onset, inflammatory changes in the breast, and a poor prognosis. Its management requires a multidisciplinary approach due to its aggressive nature and diagnostic challenges. Objective: The objective of this study is to comprehensively evaluate the management of Inflammatory Breast Cancer at the Cancer Centre, CMH Dhaka, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Hospital in Dhaka, focusing on clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes. Methods: This prospective study included patients who presented with Inflammatory Breast Cancer at CMH, Dhaka and BGB Hospital Dhaka Cancer Centre over a specified period from June 2021 to June 2023. Results: The study revealed that IBC continues to pose significant diagnostic challenges, often leading to delayed treatment initiation. Among the studies, a total of N=13 patients were managed within the past two years, and the prognosis remained unfavorable. Even after receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy, a patient passed away from the illness within half a year of being diagnosed. Physical examinations consistently identified signs of inflammation, with skin changes in 54% of cases and palpable masses in 85%. Hormone receptor status revealed 23% of patients with triple- negative breast cancer (TNBC), while 31% were HER2 positive. Molecular classification showed that 31% belonged to the Luminal type-A category, and 31% were HER2 positive. Conclusion: Inflammatory Breast Cancer management at CMH, Dhaka and BGB Hospital, Dhaka, underscores the critical need for early detection and a multidisciplinary approach. The aggressive nature of IBC, coupled with diagnostic uncertainties, highlights the importance of a high clinical suspicion. To improve patient outcomes, timely and comprehensive management by a multidisciplinary team is imperative. This study highlights the complexity of IBC and underscores the importance of early intervention and holistic patient care despite the challenges faced.
MU et al. (Fri,) studied this question.