Burning and bruise like spots on breasts that keep spreading

Jlynn222

Over the last couple of years I noticed a bruise like spot that looked like my bra was rubbing and the spots started out like a dime and has since spread from the side of my breast to the middle. I had a skin biopsy and she said it isnt cancer but it still continues to burn and spread. I know IBC is often misdiagnosed and this scares me because I seen an article where a lady had a bruise and it turned out as IBC. I feel like the doctors are giving me the run around. I have been to dermintologist and had mammogram. I need a doctor to take me seriously. I am 43 years old.

MelissaDallas

IBC progresses rapidly, in days, if not hours. If you had untreated IBC for two years you would likely be very ill and the appearance would be pretty unmistakeable.

What was the diagnosis of your biopsy, besides not cancer

Jlynn222

the diagnosis said it was a protein build up. I cant remember the name and I accepted that until last week I had a mammogram and they said I have to come back in for another one and an ultrasound because they seen some unevenness on my left breast. I have had dense breast tissue for as far as I know and they said they need further tests. Now I am scared of not only IBC but other kinds of cancer. I do know that IBC wont show up on a mammogram or ultrasound.

blue22

That is not correct that IBC won't show up on an ultrasound or mammogram....

Also please don't say "IBC progresses rapidly, in days, if not hours" This is very misleading and dangerous to say. IBC can progress very rapidly but not everyone who is diagnosed with IBC has such stunningly obvious progression.

Jlynn222

it doesn't always show up on a mammogram. Most of the time IBC isn't ruled out until a biopsy. I also have freckles that is spreading with the bruise

LoriCA

MelissaDallas is just quoting the same information that is posted on many breast cancer sites, including this one.. One of the main diagnostic criteria for primary IBC is the rapid onset of symptoms over no more than a few months.

What is true is that if IBC were left untreated for years, the skin on your breast would undoubtedly be ulcerated (IBC is in the lymphatic system of the skin and can easily break through)... if you were still alive. Primary IBC is extremely aggressive and left untreated it would be deadly (~30% of us are already Stage IV by the time there are any symptoms). So it is very unlikely that you have IBC.

Although I don't know what is causing your freckles and bruising, you don't have any of the typical symptoms of primary IBC - noticeable swelling of the breast, heat/warmth, peau d'orange (orange peel skin), redness/discoloration over at least one third of your breast. If after all this time you haven't developed more severe symptoms I think you can safely stop worrying about IBC.

Jlynn222

thanks LoriCA I hope you are right. It scares me though because I read an article where a girls IBC started out as a bruise. My breasts are so sore. I'm on my way now to a call back mammogram and ultrasound

djmammo

IBC

This link from Cancer.Net brings you to their section on inflammatory breast cancer. A list of topics can be found on the left side of the page to click on for more specific information.