Worried About Inflammatory Breast Cancer? Start here
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Hi vans671, We're sorry you are having these issues. Seems like what will be important is to find a good doctor locally with whom you can talk to about all this. Do you have a family history of breast cancer?
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Breast cancer runs on both sides but no one from my immediate family.
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Maybe that would be an angle you could take as well, to share that information. We hope you can find a doctor you can trust and who will help you with your concerns.
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hello, Im 27 years old and I’m wondering If anyone can ease my mind or just straight up tell me the truth. It’s been almost a month since I’ve had these symptoms but to be honest I never really remembered the small details of my boobs so now that there is an issue and I’ve been studying every detail of them I don’t know if these are new details or old ones I never noticed before.
First started that I noticed I was having discomfort when wearing a bra. I would be scratching at my nipple all day on my right boob , moving my boob around. My nipple was so sensitive, i had some cloth slightly rub against it and it made me cringe. So I stopped wearing a bra that day. Also the back of my bra was bothering my shoulder blade/ back on the same side. So I kept trying to scratch my back. It felt almost like a creepy crawl feeling like something was crawling on my back. So all this was accompanied by random sharp pain/itchy boob/itchy like under my armpit area. Also pain in my mid upper back next to my shoulder blade. It almost felt like it was my posture. I have no insurance so I went to a cheap clinic and the OBGYN doctor came to the conclusion that my bra was too tight, and that I pulled a muscle in my back. She sent me home with ibuprofen 800mg and sent me to get an ultrasound, I’ll continue in another post
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so I had my US and it came back negative , they didn't see anything. Which of course I was relieved but this was only a week after symptoms started and they were still going on. So it took a week to get my US results and so I've kind of waited another week to see if my symptoms go away and they haven't. My breast is still itchy, I've noticed maybe a slightly different shape in my breast but again idk , I noticed a slight indentation by my nipple but I can't tell if it's a dimple or a mark but that's to me for sure is different. I've noticed a more prominent blue vein going into my nipple, I've noticed a bunch of red spidery veins in my breast , I developed a yellow bruise on the side of breast. I haven't had any swelling from what I can tell but I did take a pic and I see more prominent holes like the peau , but it wasn't like any pics I've seen on the internet , i guess my main issue is if I don't have IBC why is my breast so itchy, sharp pain, pins and needle feeling in my nipple. I'm not pregnant , but Im still waiting on my june period , last had my period may 2nd. I also had pain going from my sternum under my breast stretching to my back almost like in my bone. That went away but it was there after my US. Again there's so many things going on but I don't even know if they're related. I'm seeing another OBGYN for a second opinion tomorrow 9am. Wish me luck
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Neena, welcome to Breastcancer.org! You can read some helpful tips on Getting a Second Opinion at the main Breastcancer.org site, including why, where and when to get them, and what to expect. We know it's hard not to worry, but benign breast changes are very common in young women. Hope this is nothing serious and you get better soon!
Best wishes,
The Mods
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thank you. The doctor told me I could possibly have IBC and wanted to set me up to do a mammogram and talk to a breast specialist but as I was leaving she changed her mind and told me she thinks I have internal shingles. I was put on medication for 10 days and I get my results tomorrow. If there’s no shingles she is going to have me go ahead with a mammogram.
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Hi,
I’m breastfeeding and I’m 22. The last couple of days I noticed red streaks across the top of my left breast. No other symptoms. The doctor doesn’t think it’s mastitis but gave me antibiotics anyways. Of course I googled it and IBC came up. Now I’m so afraid I have it. I have to go back to the doctor in a few days if it doesn’t look any better. Could this be IBC
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11 years post IDC HER 2 + 1c grade 3 left side, chemo, rad and taxol. Today I noticed same breast is very pink, warm and a little swollen. Any thoughts
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Hi all 8 weeks ago my left breast grew more than a cup size larger than the right. I have no other breast symptoms. I'm 37 with 2 kids. I immediately went to multiple doctors who told me i don't have IBC based on physical exam and i had an ultrasound done which came up clear except for a small cyst.
The lymph node on under my chin on the left is swollen for 4 weeks and so is the one above my collarbone which i only noticed maybe a week ago. I got my COVID shot on the 28th.
I have another doctor appointment tomorrow and i am so scared
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Welcome, Kipani! We're sorry you have to be here for these changes in your breast but glad you found us. We know it's scary, but try not to worry too much. Hope your doctor can help you understand what is going on tomorrow. Please come back to let us know how it goes. We're thinking of you!
The Mods
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My lymph nodes are reactive the doctor said but could not explain why my breast got larger. She's going to test my hormones.
Is it typical of IBC to hide it's rash for 2 months straight while only creating an increase in breast size? Has anyone had that experience? I've been taking pictures but the breast in question seems to have stayed largely the same.
4 small red freckles now on underside of breast (now gone)
Hormones came back normal.
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Hello,
I was hoping to get some insight on how I should advocate for thorough testing. I have a diagnostic mammogram next week. I was informed by my PCP that during this appointment they can do ultrasounds and biopsies as well. I worry my symptoms align with IBC…an enlarged/swollen breast, constant aching and swollen armpit. No rash/redness though. This is not mastitis either. I'm thankful my PCP didn't throw antibiotics at me. I worry that since IBC is best diagnosed with a biopsy, how do I push for this without sounding like a loon? Thank you
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Hi there, Hbring. We're so sorry you find yourself here with these worries, we know how stressful it can be. We're glad your PCP is being proactive; IBC is rare, accounting for about 1% of all breast cancer cases, and it is very aggressive, with symptoms spreading or worsening very quickly, sometimes within hours or days. You didn't mention how long you've been experiencing symptoms, but we're so glad you're getting this checked out. Please keep us posted.
The Mods
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Hello,
Can you offer any advice on how to request getting a biopsy or further testing do for IBC? I've been trying to get a second opinion done with 2nd MD to see if I might have IBC; but was told that I need have been given testing for my breast and a diagnosis by my PCP before they can give a second opinion. I have gotten health insurance for the first time ever this August, so I just recently found a PCP. However upon her examination of me, she said she didn't see anything concerning... and that was that.
I am 23 and about a month ago I noticed that the vein in my left breast was protruding, like I can physically feel the vein and still can. That vein is also warm to the touch. When I first noticed it, I went to a walk-in clinic the next day. The doctor there put me antibiotics for Mastitis. There were no changes during those next 7 days while taking the antibiotic. I then went to my gyno to express my concern and how I feel like I can see dimpling in my breasts. My gyno ordered for an ultrasound to be done, and everything came back negative. The doctor at the imaging place said he didn't see anything irregular. About a week later my chest was feeling a bit tight and the veins in my chest felt like they were on fire; so thinking I was having a heart attack I went to the ER who didn't find anything wrong. I mentioned to the PA about my breast and the veins, but she said if the ultrasound done was negative then she isn't worried about it. After that I already had an appointment scheduled to see my PCP for the first time, and I brought up everything that's been going on with me the past month. She did a breast exam and said she didn't see anything. However now I am feeling a dull ache right under my left breast, both in the front, on the side, and on my back (all in areas about wear my left breast is). It also feels bruised in the middle of my chest even though there is no bruise. I just don't understand what's going on and have been under immense stress honestly. Unfortunately I've just moved to a new city and don't have friends to confide in; and I am unable to tell my family what is going on either due to personal issues. I don't have a support system. I feel so alone. The dull pain in the breast, the warmth, the dimples, and overall look of my breast has me fearing that this is IBC. I've read the statistics for survivors and it's adding into my fear. I feel scared and trapped. I don't know how to reach out to get more testing done. I know I'm on the younger side, but I'm obese and african american, which I noticed IBC tends to affect those two groups more.
So do you have any tips on how to request more testing? I feel as if my PCP will deny me anymore testing, should I ask them? Or should I go to a specialist? Also, do you know how I can go about to find a specialist for IBC?
Thank you!!
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Hello terrlo, and welcome to Breastcancer.org. We're sorry that you find yourself in this situation, but we're glad you found such a wonderful community for information and support. We're sure you'll get some feedback from other members soon. In the meantime, please remember that IBC is not a common breast cancer diagnosis, especially at your age. Anyway, if you're still worried and the pain continues, you could always get a second opinion. You can learn more on Getting a Second Opinion at the main Breastcancer.org site.
Please post again to let us know how it all goes. We're thinking of you!
The Mods
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Hi everyone me again. Still fighting with my doctor for a biopsy. He says there's nothing to biopsy so he can't do that. Now my right breast has gotten veiny near the nipples and is having brown discharge. The lymph nodes above my left collarbone and in my neck are still swollen 2 months later.
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Hbring--sorry I didn't see your post sooner. First, to clarify... IBC is a clinical diagnosis and is not best diagnosed with a biopsy. I had TWO biopsies; both negative for carcinoma. Yet I have IBC. If you are still symptomatic, see a breast specialist ASAP. Good luck.
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Hi im new and from the uk ...around 3 weeks ago i noticed my r breast was red above the aeola i suffer with chronic hives which i have had for about 9 years now and i scratched my breast and i thought the redness was down to the scratching but it has not gone away then i noticed my aeola felt harder and i have a dry skin patch but its smooth and not rough like orange peel im not sure if i was scratching it to make it go like this or not cuz i scratch everywhere on my skin in bouts because of the hives, ive noticed on my aeola that the pores have enlarged also on the area round the redness on the top and the sides of my breast has also got enlarged pores too the bottom of my breast feels slightly heavier and it feels warmer than my other breast,i went to see the nurse because there were no dr appointments available she checked and then got one of the drs to check me and he checked and found one of my lymph lodes was up slightly and it was smooth he said its most lightly to be an infection of some sort so prescribed antibiotics and he is booking me in for an ultra sound scan, im worried because i read that ibc might not be detected via ultra sound scan i am so scared that i have ibc and i suffer with anxiety that i have had for a number of years,im shaking through fear i am 58 years old ...any advice would be appreciated please ..thank you
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sorry about your symptoms. My symptoms are different. I gave a huge black and blue bruise above my nipple. I noticed it Christmas morning in the shower. I haven’t seen a doctor yet.
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sorry about your symptoms. My symptoms are different. I gave a huge black and blue bruise above my nipple. I noticed it Christmas morning in the shower. I haven't seen a doctor yet.
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Was wondering what your update was?
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Keebs - I responded on the other thread you started. You didn't state your age. You've had clear mammos. If you are still concerned, you should go see your OB/Gyn for a physical check.
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Hi everyone
Why is it when articles list conditions that may mimic IBC, Breast/trunk lymphedema is never mentioned?
I have not had any lymphedema on my surgical/radiated breast for 6 years. Have had discomfort, swelling in that breast for a couple of weeks and was exacerbated by long plane flights last week. I know lymphedema can pop up at any time, but I have most of the symptoms of IBC. I messaged my Med. Onc and will set up an appt if no better in a few days with the usual treatments but it is just so frustrating that this is never mentioned.
Was anyone else diagnosed with lymphedema-like symptoms? (No swelling in my arm at all)
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Pat - yes, lymphadema can occur at any time - even 35 years after your surgery or radiation. Yes, I have breast & truncal LE - basically no arm involvement. I've just started working with a certified/trailer LEPT again.
I agree - not enough people know about or talk about LE. Since you're 6 years out, for your peace of mind - unless you've still having regular doc appointments - I'd call & make one with your MO. Good luck
Lots of valuable information on this thread. http://www.stepup-speakout.org/
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Thanks, Minus two!
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I guess my question is not who has lymphedema; but did anyone have IBC misdiagnosed as lymphedema?
To me, the symptoms are very similar.
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I’m not sure if I should post here for this, but I am 29 (30 in October), and started having breast burning/pain similar to when I had a clogged ducts with breastfeeding that started around 3-4 weeks ago. Its since progressed to feel like heaviness, intermittent burning/itching (including some burning and itching on my nipple), and pain in my armpit. I had seen an NP at my OBs office who told me it’s likely hormonal pain, but she’d order a diagnostic 3D mammogram, which I had scheduled for the following day. When I got there the machine was actually broken so I had an ultrasound instead (clear).
The next day however I did notice a small indent forming on the side of my breast where the pain was the worst (this was earlier this week). I could really only see it in the mirror and not from above at the time, and even a couple of days ago. Today though I noticed it’s bigger, and I CAN see it when I look down. That’s where the pain/heaviness has been the worst and also where my husband has said he’s felt like my breast feels different and “heavier”. I also noticed I’m now having pulling or ripple at my areola from where it seems like the indent is pulling it maybe?
All of these changes are happening so rapidly in just the matter of weeks. I did message my OB back to push for the 3D mammogram just for peace of mind if anything and they have placed a referral to the breast clinic at my hospital instead so they can decide how to move forward and if I need the mammogram, or what next steps should be. Their first available appt was 9/7, but I may reach out and just let them know know about the changes I’m seeing.
I do have family hx on both maternal and paternal sides of my family (secondary family members, but of note, my dads mom was younger and unfortunately passed away younger and my moms mom was post-menopausal and every woman on my moms side has gotten BC post-menopausal). Because of that they did order genetic testing for me as well, so that appointment is the 29th.
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hello. I'm new. A few days ago I noticed an itchy rash on my left breast. I often get rashes and I have been under extra stress recently so I figured that was probably what caused it. But then I googled - I know bad idea - and well here I am. My only symptom is a pink itchy rash. No other changes that I can tell - breastsize is the same as usual, not hard, no pain, lymph nodes seem fine. But still, I am now super worried and scared. I have a dr appt coming up in a week but I'm wondering if I should try to get in sooner or call around to find an OBGYN? I am 35 and I have 3 kids.
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blueeeemoon,
I think waiting a week until your scheduled appointment is fine but if it eases your mind you could look into an earlier appointment. IBC is not very common so odds are in your favor.
Gentle reminder, this is the last place that any of us ever wanted to be but most who see your post here already have been dx’ed with breast cancer. None of us wanted to be here and I don’t know anyone who does.
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