Inflammatory breast cancer, a relatively rare yet aggressive form of the disease is apparently on the rise and improvements in survival are modest at best. That is according to new researcher in the current issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Inflammatory breast cancer often occurs without producing a palpable mass, but it generally is characterized by redness, warmth, and swelling. Definitions for the disease vary and as a result estimates for how often it occurs vary widely. The disease has not been well studied.

Researcher Dr. Kenneth W. Hance, from the National Cancer Institute and colleagues found that inflammatory breast cancer comprised 2 percent of all malignancies of the breast diagnosed in U.S. women during the study period (1988-2000) and the incidence of the disease rose by 25 percent during that time.

The investigators hope that research into the disease will help to identify high risk patients who may benefit from more aggressive treatment.

Summary of the study available here.