Inflammatory Breast Cancer? Pictures included..

ihaveaheadache

I don't know where else to go with this. I have a PAINLESS rash on the upper and side of both breasts. It's usually itchy, brownish (like darkened skin) and peau d'orange, more so on the left breast. My nipples are not infected at all. The rash is warm to the touch as well. I'd expect it to be mastitis, but neither breast hurts at all. I can't feel a lump either. I need to get my health insurance worked out before I can see a doctor.

It started out as extremely dry skin on the side of my breasts. It was very itchy, and would get warm and bright red when I scratched. Eventually it got less dry and less itchy. It went from having no rash (there was no rash, just itchy skin) to having a brownish undertone. There is clear orange peel texture as well. Sometimes it is very dry and flaky and other times the orange peel texture is very apparent and the rash is darker. Lotion doesn't soothe the dryness.

The only other symptoms is the spot at the very base of my left breast, between my armpit and breast. It is slightly raised, not itchy or painful. It's kind of hard to describe. My family has an extensive line of breast cancer running in our family. My grandma had breast cancer twice and two lumpectomies. If I wasn't under 20, a healthy weight, and Caucasian, Id be extremely worried that I have inflammatory breast cancer… I have all the symptoms. But the odds of me having very few risk factors for a very rare form of cancer in both breasts is 100,000,000 to 1.

The left breast is much worse than the right. The rash is darker, more apparent, and the orange peel texture is much greater as well. The left is also slightly larger and rounder than the right, which is a recent change. It is rounder on the sides and slightly rounder (almost perky) at the top than the right. It has been about two months since the initial itchiness started. Neither breast is red. It looks more like a bruise. They are not swollen than I can tell, or at least noticeably. The left breast may be swollen.. I've never really noted the difference in size previously. The texture of both breasts is dimpled and uneven, similar to cellulite or extra skin.

-Also, it is not an allergic reaction. I haven't changed detergents, water quality, or bras. My bras are clean as well, and I do not sweat a lot in my breasts. I sleep bra less.

Like I said, I currently have NO health insurance so I cannot see anyone. Please give me your insights. I will see a dermatologist and surgeon ASAP and get a biopsy just in case. Please don't tell me I need to see a doctor - I'm aware of that, but I can't at the moment. I'd just like your insights or comparisons.

ABOUT ME:

I am caucasian.

I'm under 20.

I'm a healthy weight (5'4 and 120lbs)

I started my period at nine.

Breast cancer is extremely prevalent in my family.

I don't smoke.

I have dysmenorrhea and (undiagnosed but obvious) endometriosis.

My nipples have been pierced for about seven months. The healed very quickly (three weeks) and I've had no problems with them. They have regular discharge and crusties - no foul smell, pus, or abnormal color. I don't know/think my nipples are inverted.. I don't know if they can with my piercing.

(photos removed by mods)

Faith316

Your rash looks nothing like mine did when I was dx with IBC.  I don't really see much in the way of peau d'orang in your pictures.  I also think it would be pretty unlikely to present with IBC in both breasts at the same time.  Of course, I am not a doctor but I think it is much more likely to not be IBC than it is to be IBC. Let us know what you find out.

Moderators

Hello ihaveaheadache, and welcome to Breastcancer.org.

We're sorry you're dealing with this worry, but no one here can suggest what your symptoms could mean. Although we understand you don't want the "see a doctor" advice because of your insurance status, there is help for those who don't have insurance coverage. 

From the main Breastcancer.org site's section Where to Get a Mammogram:

"If you do not have health insurance, you can try to find a center that offers low-cost or free mammograms. Contact the National Cancer Institute (1-800-4-CANCER) or the American Cancer Society (1-800-ACS-2345) for assistance. Another option is the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (1-888-842-6355), which provides low-cost or free cancer screenings for women without health insurance."

Best wishes,

• The Mods

Kicks

See a DR!  Don't care rather you want to 'hear' that or not.,

MANY possibilities of what is going on - IBC probably the LEAST likely!  It could be related to the piercings or other 'things'.   I'm not a Dr actually seeing you but does not look like IIBC to me.

jlingo

Hi, my name is Jess and I currently have a rash like thing on my left breast. I am new to this forum and hoping to get some useful answers as my doctor has been no help

I have had this rash for almost 3 weeks now. I am currently using a steroid cream that the doctor prescribed me. I have been using this for over a week now and have seen no change. I have never seen anything like this on my skin before and it does not look like your ordinary rash. There are no lumps or bumps just discolouration on the skin kind of like a burnt mark. For the first week or two it was extremely itchy but the itch has now subsided but the rash is still very much visible and there has been no change since using the steroid cream that was prescribed to me. I feel normal, no other lumps or bumps on my breast just this rash like mark that won't go away. I am happy to upload a photo and maybe that will help, especially anyone who has had IBC or anything that may sound along the lines of what I have.

I am very concerned as I have never seen anything like this on my skin before and find it really strange that its just on my left breast. 

Thank you guys in advanced!! 

Jmob0418

Hi jess!  I'm Jessica!  I'm dealing with the exact same thing!  Small reddish spot on my left breast.  It doesn't itch.  Topical hasn't helped but I'm worried sick.  Can you upload a pic so I can compare to mine?  How do you upload?  If I can figure it out I'll post mine as well. 

Kicks

jlingo - See your Dr.  again amd ask for a referrral to a Dermatologist.  Skin/Rash issues are quite common on the breast and the vast majority have nothing to do with IBC (or other types of BC).  No one here can diagnosis what is going on from a picture posted on line or discriptions.  We are not medical staff that actually sees you.

JenInNY

Hi!

I'm so curious how things turned out with you. I've had a somewhat similar looking rash for 10 days now that is non responsive to OTC cortisone cream.

Mine is beginning to looked bruised. If I lift my breast to look underneath I'll get mild discharge as well. I'm not sure if it's just because I'm manipulating the breast too much from examinating it, or if it's something else to worry about. I'm definitely calling my doctor tomorrow though

I've made myself crazy with this all weekend *sigh

I love/hate the Internet.

I hope all turned out well for you.

Kicks

The OP has not been back to the Site since the day of posting - 3 yrs ago.

Only your Dr can give you answers after possibly/probably doing testing. NO ONE here can possibly tell you what might be (or might not be) going on. So see your Dr I'd you are concerned!