Mastitis vs Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Daring_Bravely

Hi Everyone,

I am 49 yrs old and in October 2016 after numerous tests etc, I had a lumpectomy in my right breast. The findings were neg for cancer. I have dense breast tissue and was told that there is a suspicious area that would continue to be watched.

Last week I began to feel some pain in my right breast. The pain felt "deep" and started mid breast behind the nipple. The pain began as a dull ache and progressed to aching, sometimes stabbing and burning sensation. Monday night the pain was so bad it kept me awake off and on throughout the night. There is some swelling of my breast and very mild discolouration (light pink) in one area of my breast. I have not had a fever or chills.

Yesterday I saw my GP who said that I have acute inflammation of my breast. He said it was possible it is either causes by an infection or a blockage of some sort. He referred me back to the breast health clinic and advised I needed to see a Dr there.

Tomorrow afternoon I have an appointment with the specialist who took care of me in October and who performed my lumpectomy.

I'm not really sure what to expect. Obviously she will go over everything I have been experiencing the past week. How will she be able to determine if what I have going on is mastitis or something more serious? What tests would be appropriate? Is there anything specific I should ask?

The Dr yesterday prescribed some antibiotics in case it is mastitis and some medication for the pain. He told me it would take 72hrs for me to notice a difference if the antibiotics were going to work. My breast is still swollen but the pain isn't as bad, I assume it's the pain medication.

Any advice, opinions suggestions from your experiences would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Carrie

Kicks

Inflammation in the breast is not the same as Inflammatory Breast Cancer. IBC is a particular type of BC that is rare - 1 to 4 out of every 100 BC DXs will be IBC. There are MANY possible reasons for inflammation in breast tissue.

Go to your appt. tomorrow! Only a Dr with expertise in breast issues can tell you what might be going on. No one here can. There is a 'good' chance that the Dr will order a new US as a start with potentially other tests.

While we are each so unique, I did not have any of what you do before my IBC DX. But that's just me.

Daring_Bravely

Thank you for your reply Kicks.

Both an infection and IBC can cause inflammation in the breast.

I do realize that only the Dr will be able to tell me what's going on and I'm looking forward to finding out more info tomorrow. I was simply looking for others who have had similar situations that could possibly shed some light on what to expect.

Cheers,

Carrie

Kicks

Well - I am IBC - have been for 8 yrs so I do have some experience as to what IBC actually is and isn't. You asked a question that included IBC and I replied based on my actual experience with IBC. Of course, there are many variables with each of us who are IBC. The VAST majority who come 'here' having decided on /been DXd by "Dr Quack Google" are not.

On Jun 27, you started you had had a mammo and on Jul 2 you stated you were having an US on Jul 14. But never posted about the reports. Also reported on Jun 27 to have a very recent major health issue which is not BC related.

I do sincerely hope that your current issues with your breast does turn out to be inflammation - not IBC.

KittieV

Hi Carrie. I had an infection in my right breast back in May. It was painful, red, swollen, and the slightest brush against it almost put me to my knees. My Dr gave me antibiotics and it took the entire 7 days before the pain was finally gone.

I hope the antibiotics help. Chances of an infection are much higher than chances of IBC. Good luck!

Daring_Bravely

Good Morning,

Kicks ... thanks again for your message. I'm sorry that you've had to deal with IBC. I have had significant health issues, was diagnosed with an enlarged heart, had open heart surgery to cut some of it away in March 2016 and six months ago I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. 2013 I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, had it removed. I'm a very positive, optimistic person despite some challenges. I havedn't diagnosed myself with anything relating to this breast issue and I feel very optimistic that it isn't IBC but at the same time just wan to feel prepared.

KittieV ... I can't thank you enough for your message. This is exactly what I needed to hear! I feel confident this morning that the Dr this afternoon will tell me it's an infection.

Thank you again,

I'll let you know how this afternoon goes!!

Feeling good

Daring_Bravely

Hi Ladies,

My appointment this afternoon went well. Dr said there is no infection. She believe that what I might be experiencing is related to menopause. She said not to worry about ICB. My breast has quite a bit of scar tissue and it's possible I have a cyst. I am scheduled for an U/S Sept 26th just to make sure everything looks good.

Thank you again, I'm happy I reached out and am grateful for the news today!

Carri

MTwoman

Great news Daring, do follow up on the 26th just to be certain!

pamelakp

I woke up on New Year's day with fever, chills, body aches, flu like, and also with a pinkish, slightly swollen, slightly painful left breast. I have just had a breast MRI done the first week of December for pre op for small DCIS in right breast. Left breast was clear. Could IBC have developed that quickly, just 3 weeks from a clear MRI? I'm 59. I went to GP, she gave me antibiotics a week ago. It's a bit better but still noticeably there. I'm baffled.

djmammo

pamelakp

Why are you baffled? Just curious.

pamelakp

I'm baffled because I just had a breast MRI in December and that breast was all clear. There's really no more pinkish color just mild pain and a hardness right under the areola. I'm postmenopausal. Breast seems heavier.