Questions about IBC...

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SophiaMarie
SophiaMarie Member Posts: 352
edited June 2014 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)

Is a skin punch biopsy for IBC reliable? I'm just wondering because if IBC is so seriously aggressive, and it's often confused with other conditions, why not just do a quick biopsy to rule it out - or to get on with treatments ASAP?

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  • SarahRoss
    SarahRoss Member Posts: 19
    edited September 2013

    Hi SophiaMarie,

    I am no expert by any means but from what I've read the only sure way to diagnose IBC is with a skin biopsy. As to why a biopsy isn't done immediately, I'm not sure. I'm guessing that mastitis is very common so it is easily cured to antibiotics. There are small risks associated with biopsies (infection) so since IBC is so rare, it would make sense to try an antibiotic first if the symptoms appear to be mastitis. If there are other symptoms that are unique to IBC, it would make sense to me to do a biopsy ASAP! But again, I'm no expert :)

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited September 2013

    My DX for IBC was via Fine Needle - not skin punch.  The enlarged node and areas that were suspect were done/checked.  This was about 3 pm and I had the results (that we expected - IBC)  at 8 am the next morning.  IF IBC is really 'expected' - biopsies need to be done ASAP and the results can be gotten very quickly.

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  • SophiaMarie
    SophiaMarie Member Posts: 352
    edited September 2013

    I'm sorry to hear about your dx SD. Nice it was all done so quickly though!



    Well, my surgeon as well as my breast specialist oncologist said its not IBC. I still think that area looks pretty odd with the enlarged pores, but at least they calmed my fears.



    It's like we all have so much to be paranoid of... It's just trying to learn how to live with it.

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