Not sure and would like an opinion

tlm1

Hi all, I am currently a little anxious about some breast symptoms that I have and I wondered if anyone can shed some light please.

I am due on my period in a few days and have had a sore right breast on and off for a while. I had a similar thing in December that was quite worrying as it lasted for a long time so I had my first ever mammogram and ultrasound and it was all clear (I'm 42). I was told by the consultant (an amazing consultant called Kefah Mokbel) that this is normal but even though the mammogram came up normal as did the ultrsound he still found a lump on inspection and did a biopsy which was all fine - just as he had predicted. I was very reassured.

However very recently my right breast has been playing up again and the areola now has a light blue vein showing under the nipple which I am sure has only just recently appeared. It has also been slightly itchy but no discharge or swelling etc. I went to my doc who checked and found no lumps or enlarged lyph nodes. Agreed that this right breast nipple area is larger than the other (always has been) and is not worried. I have tried to forget about it and am hoping it is down to my imminent period but tonight I have now discovered on the side of my right breast a series of small flat very pale red spots that don't blanche when pressed. I am now worried that this might be the first signs of inflammatory Breast cancer. I feel really silly posting but I am actually very concerned.  I keep telling myself that it could be my bra and the fact that it is hot, and perhaps the fact that I have been pushing it there all day - maybe because I am thinking too much about it but how long should I wait before I get proper advice from a breast consultant? I have read that it can first show itself as a rash like bug bites. These are not raised though - or if they are it is only slighly. 

 Can anyone tell me what the rahs / spots should look like?

Thanks so much

 

GottaloveNED

I'm going to bump this thread up for you, so more people will see it. I have no experience with inflammatory BC, but I can tell you... If you're wondering if you need to see a breast specialist just ask for a referral, schedule it and do it. In my opinion, the peace of mind is worth it. I didn't want someone looking at my breast going, "we'll, I've never seen that before". I want someone who looks at it all day, every day.

chester2010

Hi Tim1.  There can be many reasons for rashes and spots especially when the weather is hot and sticky but I think it is a good idea to get it checked out, especially as the Dr. found a lump previously.  My IBC started off with a rash only and I was told it was nothing. Later the nipple inverted and the skin thickened around  the areola so we knew for sure that something was wrong.  Try not to stress too much before seeing your Dr, I know that is easier said than done.

Kathy

tlm1

Thanks for your replies. This morning the spots seem to have faded - i can see them very faintly but my breast still feels weird. It's not got any classical ibc symptoms but I feel it sometimes want to be itched.



I'm suffering from anxiety at the moment and my husband thinks I'm crazy - literally - but I'm still uncertain what do do. Would the spots fade if it was ibc or stay there? Now I'm looking really closely I can see a couple of other ones on the other side of the same breast. What scares me is if it is ibc then the earlier I get seen the better. If I'm showing all the classic signs of swelling and soreness would that mean its at a later stage? Sorry to keep asking.

Thank you

chester2010

Having a rash on your breast does not mean you have IBC. There are many reasons for rashes and skin problems especially in hot, muggy weather.  If  it was IBC then the rash would not go away but you would likely develop other symptoms and it is always important to be diligent. Anxiety makes things worse and you should see your Dr. to set your mind at peace.

Kathy 

Jacki2005

tim1, If you have a rash on your breast and the texture of the breast itself feels different, and you notice your breast getting a bit bigger than the other one then I would go see a specialist, as those are the symthoms I had for my IBC .. Hope this helps and feel free to ask me any questions regarding this. 

tlm1

Thanks everyone. I'm hoping to see someone tomorrow.