very frustrated neg biopsy but breast is not better

jackieg

my mom,70 years old, started with a hard area in her breast @3-4 weeks ago.she went to the dr last tues and was put on 2 antibiotics.on that friday she went to the er for un-related causes,renal failure.but the er dr's and @ 3-4 dr's here at the hosp have told us that they are 99% sure it is IBC.w/in 4 days,after the antibiotic,her breast had swollen 3 times it's normal size,red,warm to touch and has that orange peel look.she had a biopsy 4 days ago that came back negative so they are saying that it's an infection similar to mastitis, but she's been on a total of 7 iv antibiotics!!! does anyone know if the first biosy could be of tissue that doesn't have cancerous cells? we definitely want a second opinion.the hopsital where she is does not have breast surgeons,just general surgeons.please help!!!!

wishiwere

Have no knowledge to offer, but I would get to her a breast care clinic.  If the antibiotics aren't working, it needs further investigation. What type of bx did they do?

ibcspouse

Jackie

My wife had a punch biosy done that was read by a large medical center as b9,  It was only after the slides were sent to MD Anderson 4 months later that the tumor eboli (IBC) cancer was found.  Because IBC is so rare most patholgist have not seen it before.  Also it depends on what type biopsy was taken.  IBC is also a clinical dx rather than a histological.  Meaning that yes cancel cell can be not picked up in a bx.  That does not change the dx.  Another punch or better yet a core bx should be done.  University of Mich has an IBC clinic and welcomes consults with your local dr as well as reveiw of slides.  Look at their web site.  Good luck with you mon, I hope it is not IBC.   Also check Ibcsupport.org.

DebinChicago

I nursed my mother in law with IBC and she presented with these symptoms.  She did not have any B-9 findings, though, since her cancer was rather far along when diagnosed.

 However, it is important to remember that various infections can present in EXACTLY the same way.  Having said that, you do need to be very pushy in getting second and third opinions on this.  You are entitled and should not feel pressured to accept a first diagnosis, especially for something so serious.  Even if it is the more likely diagnosis of an infection, she needs to feel better and perhaps another Dr. could help her more.  Especially a breast specialist and, since IBC is agressive and an infection can spread rapidly and be dangerous at any age, I would be diligent, insistent and even downright warrior-like in getting her seen by someone who knows IBC.

wishiwere

AMEN to the above post!  Do it asap!