Worried about IBC

Bdp94

I'm a 24 year old female who is beyond scared she may have IBC. It started with dry skin on my left breast and has now turned slightly pink. No pain, may be a little larger than my right(not sure if thats my paranoia speaking) but my breasts have never been symmetrical. Breast cancer does not run on either side of my family but I dont think that really matters anyway. Skin is not pitted, no sores, no leakage, no pain. Itching on occasion. Coukd this be IBC or would it be more likely chapped breasts from living on the coast, it being winter and me not wearing a bra. Could you get Masitis from engaging in sexual activity if the sucking is hard(sor for TMI) just trying to go through all possibilities.

Egads007

Hi BDP,

Dry skin has TONS of causes. It can just be ‘winter skin’, reaction to body washes, creams, powders, laundry detergent, fabric softener etc. It can be allergies. When it happens on the breast it can be very scary, but usually it’s simply explainable. That said, any changes in the breasts should always be checked out by your doctor, at very least to give you piece of mind. At your age, while not impossible, the stats show that cancer is most likely not the cause. It’s good that you are aware and checking. Make an appointment with your doctor and put your mind at ease, the numbers are definitely on your side. Let us know how you do and take a deep breath, chances are you are fine

Bdp94

@egads007

Thank you. After looking at photo my left breast is a tad larger but as saod before they've never been symmetrical. Its throbbing somewhat but i almost feel like thats the powet of manifestation talking because it hasnt done that until now and i googled causes of dry skin and redness on breast and IBC popped up so auto actually i went into panic mode, i have two kids under 5. One of which is special needs and they need me. Ive always been a hypochondriac but im honestly so scared of it being IBC. I am a stomach sleeper and have had no issues. On occasion when i get in the shower one of my breasts(they switch) will get very sore and burn when the hot water hits it.

mustlovepoodles

Nothing that you describe screams IBC. As you have seen, googling anything "breast" brings you to "breast cancer." Not the myriad other benign conditions a breast might have. Only cancer. No wonder you're scared out of your mind.

Breast cancer of any type is very rare in a 24 yr old. Not impossible, but its less than 1% risk. IBC is the rarest of breast cancers. It is more likely to be diagnosed after age 60. So the risk of IBC in a 24yr old is extremely small.

IBC is a quick moving cancer. It worsens in hours and days. It does not look "slightly pink." It does not get better, only rapidly worse and worse and worse. Its a VERY obvious condition.

I suggest you have your doctor look at it, if it continues to bother you.