Inflammatory Breast Cancer symptoms; appointment tomorrow

Hbwalker34

I need to know some what to say or do if my doctor tries to brush this off as nothing after a physical exam. What tests do I ask for? My aunt had IBC and died and I have had swollen painful lymph nodes in my armpit for a while now, and now a new symptom of what looks like (but isn’t) a bug bite and an indentation on my areola, as well as intense itchiness and fullness.

Do I demand an mri? Pet scan? I know that ibc doesn’t often show up on mammograms or even ultrasounds... I’m scared.

LivinLife

Welcome Hbwalker! I'm glad you have an appointment tomorrow.... I'd suggest starting with explaining your symptoms AND your concerns, including about your aunt. See what the doc has to say. I would hope they wouldn't just send you away - I certainly don't know whether or not it's IBC or any kind of breast cancer though you have symptoms that require evaluation and some kind of treatment. Your lymph nodes may indeed be related.... tho these also could be unrelated. Lymph nodes can swell if irritated or there's an infection etc. You didn't say how old you are - mammo's often don't show things in younger people. An ultrasound could give info on nodes and possibly your breast. If the doc suspects something related to breast cancer talk with them about pros and cons of ultrasound, mammo, are they open to an MRI, etc. A PET scan seems quite premature b/c you're not diagnosed with cancer at this point. PET scans look for spread....

I wish you well with your appointment. Please check back in and let us know how the appointment went, how you're feeling about it and recommendations made.... Support and gentle hugs sent your way.....

Moderators

Hi hbwalker, and welcome to Breastcancer.org.

We're so sorry to hear of the worries that bring you here, but we're really glad you've found us and decided to post. As you can already see, our Community is full of amazing members always willing to lend advice and information. We're all here for you while you figure out what's going on.

Please keep us posted on what you find out. We're sending good thoughts to you!

--The Mods

ShetlandPony

If the bug bite area looks concerning, a dermatologist could weigh in. If there are IBC concerns, a punch biopsy of the skin is common.

blue22

Hi Hbwalker,

What type of Drs. office or clinic are you going to?

If they blow you off, I suggest you ask if they are experienced with IBC, but also consider a second opinion if possible given all your symptoms and your family history.

Please come back and post.

Best of luck!

Blue