Doctor's diagnosis doesn't seem right (Not diagnosed)

LaeilaM

Hello,

Since Google search brain washes you to no avail, I would like to know if it's possible that my doctor is telling the truth or I need to wait until things get better or worse.

Currently I have a bit of swelling on my breasts, both have redness (pink hue) more so on the left side than the right. They are painful at times and I have what it appears to be a lot of stretch marks (I have never been pregnant). I went in for an ultrasound and got myself a breast specialist to look after me. Today I had my appointment and the doctor has said that this could be due to Hormonal Imbalance. Now, when I check in the forums and on google it's either Mastitis or IBC. She said there was nothing to worry about and that it will go away once my hormones get back on track.

My concern here is, she doesn't think antibiotics is an option as mastitis is not a possibility, and she says IBC is too rare and doesn't show full redness on both breast, just one. Now, does anyone here has ever experienced this? Could it be a good idea to seek another doctor's opinion? I'm just a tad bit concern that I know no one who has had this, and no answers on how to recover.

Thank you for you time!

NotVeryBrave

Hmmm ... Did the US show anything? How long have you had this? Any hormone testing or any reason that your hormones would be a problem? How long are you supposed to wait?

I'd want a few more answers and some clarity. Antibiotics are a cheap and easy way to add another "test" to the mix.Perhaps a second opinion if you're not comfortable with the plan?

LoveFromPhilly

if it doesn’t feel right then get a second opinion. IBC doesn’t always show up on mammograms because it doesn’t necessarily form a tumor.

Hormones can do weird things to the body, but redness and pain is a sign of inflammation, so something is going on.

If you are able to access 2nd opinion, I say go for it. Peace of mind is better than always worrying

JoE777

Second opinion is in order. Your your on best advocate. Please take time to breath and do what your comfortable with. When doctors start talking hormone I cringe

gb2115

It kind of makes sense if she's saying that IBC wouldn't be bilateral. You could also try to get into a dermatologist.

LaeilaM

Hmmm ... Did the US show anything? How long have you had this? Any hormone testing or any reason that your hormones would be a problem? How long are you supposed to wait?

I'd want a few more answers and some clarity. Antibiotics are a cheap and easy way to add another "test" to the mix.Perhaps a second opinion if you're not comfortable with the plan?

---

The US showed two small cyst .5 (not worried about those) on my left breast. Everything else seems fine, but even the radiologist suggested to double check with a mammogram. This redness started about a month ago and it's been spreading all over. Yes I've been tested for hormones and I do have elevated testosterone, normal levels of estrogen and progesterone. She didn't specify how long I should wait. Her answer was, and I quote:

"You have to let it go on it's own, we could have tried birth control, but since you are currently trying to conceive, there is nothing else to do."

I will be getting a second ultrasound and will be going in with a family member to my next dr. appt. Would it be okay to push for more tests? Is there one test that would determine if it's IBC?

Thanks

NotVeryBrave

The only test that would confirm IBC would be a biopsy. A mammogram would be useful information perhaps - especially if needed for comparison down the road.

A dermatologist could be helpful as well. They may want to do some of their own testing, i.e. skin scraping or microscopic views.

I don't generally throw antibiotics around - too many cases of resistance and that's getting very serious. But ... a good response to antibiotics would confirm that it's infectious in nature.

Both IBC and mastitis would be rare to occur in both breasts at the same time.

LaeilaM

Thank you for all the answers, you are all great support and inspiration

edwards750

I know my case isn’t the same but I woke up one morning and my left breast was all red. No pain. It is the same breast where I had a lumpectomy and radiation.

I was freaking out convinced I had IBC. Read everything on the internet about IBC. This occurred on a Sunday. My husband thought I should allay my fears and go to the cancer clinic the next day and check it out. He also thought it looked more like a bruise but I didn’t remember running into anything.

It was a bruise. Started fading the next day thank goodness.

Peace of mind is important. Do what it takes to put your mind at ease.

Diane