rash on breast for over 2 months

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Angela80
Angela80 Member Posts: 8

In early July I noticed my breasts were a little fuller and thought nothing more of it.  Mid August I woke up and my breast was very itchy and pink.  After about 2 weeks I finally saw a doctor.  He said it was dermatological and prescribed fluocinonide.  After about 7-9 days the rash calmed down but I continued to use the cream for another week.  A few days after I quit the cream the rash was back.  It didn't itch as much but it was more pink then what it was the first time.  I waited another week before I seen another doctor.  He noticed I had peau d'orange and said it was a symtom of a fungal infection and prescribed clutrimazole betamethasone.  He said to come back in 2 weeks if the rash didn't clear up.  After 2 weeks the symptoms were not all the way gone so I went back.  By this time my skin was really scaly and rough looking and numb but the peau d'orange was almost gone.  This time the doctor said yes this is ringworm (fungal infection, even though it doesn't look like any ringworm I've ever seen) and to stop using the cream.  5 days later I was back in the office because the rash is back, really pink, super itchy and the skin is even worse looking then before.  Now he says it's a dermatological issue again and he put me on a 6-day course of oral steroids.  I am so scared this is IBC and by the time the doctor decides to do a biopsy it will be to late.  I forgot to mention, after the second dr visit I had a mammogram and ultrasound, which didn't show any abnormalities, but the report says I have "extremely dense breasts".  Please respond, I am scared out of my mind.  This is all I can think about anymore.

Comments

  • AlaskaDeb
    AlaskaDeb Member Posts: 2,601
    edited October 2008

    Do you live near a breast cancer specialist?  If so, I would go just to ease your mind.  I know very little about IBC but the basics, but I know I would worry myself in your position.  A quick skin biopsy may be able to ease your mind in hours.

    Sending hugs and wishes for a good old fashioned rash...

    Deb C

  • Angela80
    Angela80 Member Posts: 8
    edited October 2008

    I've been looking online for a breast specialist but can't seem to find one close.  I was thinking about going to a dermatologist.  What do you think?  Thank you for responding!

  • Caseysmom
    Caseysmom Member Posts: 507
    edited October 2008

    Angela80:

    I would go to a breast surgeon because the only way that IBC can be diagnosed is by a skin biopsy.  One of the 1st questions I would ask whom ever you decide to see if they are familiar with IBC.

    Hugs

    Laura

  • ibcspouse
    ibcspouse Member Posts: 613
    edited October 2008

    Angela80

    Your idea of going to a dermatologist is a good idea.  They are often the one's that help with the IBC dx.  One.   they are more likely to recognize the rash and  two.they will be more apt to do a punch bx.  They dx skin cancers all the time, the bx goes to the same path labs that a breast doctor would send them to.  Just tell them what you are worried about have them note on bx for path to look for tumor emboli in dermal lymphatic channels. 

  • Angela80
    Angela80 Member Posts: 8
    edited October 2008

    I have an appointment with a dermatologist on Tuesday the 21st.  Wish me luck!  I will keep you updated.  And THANK YOU again for your response.

  • Angela80
    Angela80 Member Posts: 8
    edited October 2008

    Well the dermatologist said it's eczema but I'm not convinced.  I told him I wanted to rule out IBC and told him I wanted a biopsy.  He ended up doing a shave biopsy.  Will a shave biopsy catch IBC?

  • Angela80
    Angela80 Member Posts: 8
    edited October 2008

    I am so frustrated because I KNOW something isn't right and the doctors just blow me off.  They are probably thinking this girl is crazy, she's only 28 and she thinks she has cancer.  I'm sure none of them have even seen a case of IBC in the flesh.  I'm going to keep on keeping on until my breast is MY breast again.  Do I need a referral to see an oncologist?  Thanks!!!

  • Angela80
    Angela80 Member Posts: 8
    edited October 2008

    Has anybody experienced numbness on the breast?  Yesterday when they gave me the numbing medicine I didn't even feel it!  I've had the procedure before to remove a mole and I definitely felt that.  When the medicine went in it burned so bad so for me not to feel the prick of the needle or the burning is very strange.

  • Caseysmom
    Caseysmom Member Posts: 507
    edited October 2008

    Angela:

    Re: Referral to Onc.

    The only think I can think of is if you have an HMO you will need a referral other than that I can not see why you can't.

    Laura 

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