Cancer en cuirasse is a term used in medicine to define a rare form of advanced breast cancer that exhibits a specific pattern of tumor growth and spread. The term "cancer en cuirasse" originated from the French language, where "cancer" means cancer, and "cuirasse" translates to "corselet" or "body armor." This term is used to describe the appearance of the tumor, which resembles a rigid, hard armor encasing the affected area.
This aggressive and infiltrating form of cancer is characterized by the extensive proliferation of malignant cells, leading to the development of thick, tough, and inelastic skin fibrosis over the chest. This fibrosis creates a hardened armor-like appearance, which can be accompanied by pain and discomfort. The tumor frequently extends deep into underlying tissues, affecting muscles, fascia, and even bones.
Cancer en cuirasse is usually diagnosed as an advanced stage of breast cancer, indicating the spread of cancer cells beyond the primary site to distant areas of the body, such as lymph nodes, lungs, liver, or bones. Due to its advanced stage at diagnosis, the disease often presents challenges in terms of treatment options and prognosis.
Effective management of cancer en cuirasse typically involves a multidisciplinary approach incorporating various treatment modalities such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. It is crucial for individuals at risk of or already diagnosed with breast cancer to undergo regular screening and early detection, as it can improve the chances of successful treatment outcomes.
