I am 49 years old with strong family history for breast cancer. I noticed a nickel sized round red spot on left breast about 2 weeks ago. It is not itchy or painful but the skin does seem thickened. I have applied both antifungal and cortizone creams for several days but the area is now quarter sized.My husband has been very ill, so I havent really had time to have it checked out.I have annual mammo and appt with a breast specialist due to being high risk. It is scheduled for 7/31. I really don't think it is anything but after reading about IBC I am unsure if I should wait till then to have it checked.Any suggestions ?
Any change in our breasts should be checked out. Since hydrocortizone cream and anti-fungal creams haven't worked, this may be an infection and you need antibiotics. I once had a doctor tell me (I went in to have an area of concerned looked at), that if more women came in when they first noticed something, there would be alot less BC deaths. Make an appointment with your GYN.
The Following User Says Thank You to tula12 For This Useful Post: VJW (07-01-2012)
I completely agree with dbcataula12. If the creams have not helped, and it is getting larger, please go in an have this area checked. I would even go as far as to ask for a biopsy of that tissue. Don't allow a doctor to --guess-- what it might be and then call that good. Only a biopsy, checking those cells will tell you exactly. IBC wouldn't necessarily show up on a mammogram so that is why I would be pushing for a biopsy. After having been through breast cancer which was missed, sometimes you have to shove your own way through the medical system. You really need to be your own best advocate. Much luck to you and keep us posted.
Take care, Sharon
The Following User Says Thank You to uptownJ For This Useful Post: VJW (07-01-2012)
Thank you so much for the responses.I have been using Hibiclens on the spot for several days as well in case it was a skin infection with no improvement. There is no warmth or other signs of infection. I feel like I may be making too much out of it since I have no other symptoms except the red patch, but since my grandmother and mother both had breast cancer I am still suspicious. I am going to call the breast specialist's office tomorrow, and let them know what is going on and see if I can get in before my 7/31 annual appt. I would have already done so , but I have been with my husband in the hospital for 7 of the last 9 weeks for his liver transplant and several complications. It helps just to have objective input. Thanks again for taking the time to do so.
The following 2 users give hugs of support to: VJW tula12 (07-02-2012), uptownJ (07-01-2012)
IBC is a very rare type of breast cancer but it is always best to get these things checked out. You have got enough on your plate with your husband in the hospital. I am really happy to hear you are going to push for an earlier appointment with a breast specialist. Hang in there and please let us know what you hear. Take care, Sharon
I called the BS office, and they wanted me to come in today just to look at the spot. He said he didn't think it was anything scary but examined the breast and lymph nodes thoroughly. He said he thinks it's some type of dermatitis and prescribed a stronger cream, however he said if it isn't lots better by my regular appt. on 7/31 he wants to biopsy or if it worsens before then or if any new symptoms crop up to call, and he'll get me in before then and biopsy it. Thanks for the push to have it checked, so now it will either improve with treatment or we will have a basis for comparison if it doesn't.
I am SO happy you went ahead and had it checked. I have been thinking about you and glad you got in so quickly. Hopefully, this will get cleared up with the new cream. IBC is really rare but you are really on top of this. THANKS for letting us know. THis will probably end up being just a blip in the pathway of life. Keep us posted. Take care, Sharon
