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Tina12
Tina12 Member Posts: 4
edited November 2014 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)

Hello everyone,

I want to start by saying that I know that none of you can tell me if I have IBC or make a diagnosis, but I am completely panicked right now and looking for advice? reassurance?  I don't know....  I called my doctor today and the soonest I can be seen is Monday afternoon.  I always have the option of a walk-in clinic if need be though.

Back story:  Starting Monday I noticed a little rash forming on the side of my left breast.  I tend to have sensitive skin so I thought nothing of it.  I put some hydrocortizone on it and went about my day.  Last night (Wednesday) I noticed that the rash had gotten worse and I have some tenderness right above it and into my armpit area.  Not super painful, just tender when I press on it.  I, of course, went to google to type in my sypmtoms and immediately IBC popped up. I started to panic....I had never heard of IBC until last night.  I saw on one of the million websites that it could be a fungal infection so I started using an anti-fungal cream. I called my doctor's office first thing this morning and spoke with the nurse.  The nurse said to keep using that and if it got worse over the weekend, I should go to a walk-in clinic.  The redness does seem to have spread and it is warm to the touch but only on the rash, not anywhere else on my breast.  All this to say, does this picture look like an IBC rash?  I truly appreciate any feedback and apologize for my scattered story.

Edited by Mods to remove photo. We strongly discourage posting photos of symptoms here, as no one here can make any medical determinations. If you have a suspicious symptom, we encourage you to talk to your doctor.

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  • april485
    april485 Member Posts: 3,257
    edited November 2014

    I am no IBC expert but I have had rashes similar to that. It looks like some type of contact dermatitis to me. Did you use any new soaps or lotions or perfumes recently? Or, did you buy a new bra and wear it without washing it first? Could be something like that. Hopefully someone who knows more will come along soon but from the photos I have seen of IBC, none of them looked like that if that helps at all.

    Edited to add that only a doctor can diagnose you so make sure you call one! Best of luck moving ahead and please don't worry too much!

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  • Tina12
    Tina12 Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2014


    April, thank you so much for your response!  When I googled pictures of IBC rash I got such a wide range of images that I just wasn't certain.  I haven't used any new detergents, perfumes, lotions, gotten new bras...nothing.  That's why it caused some concern.  I am definitely one to over-research and get worked up so I really hope I'm making too much of this.  But once the redness started to spread today, it didn't help my anxiety!  Hopefully my doctor can put me at ease on Monday. 

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  • Tina12
    Tina12 Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2014


    Well, I just got word that my photo was removed so I suppose my post makes no sense now.  Basically, I have an approximately 1.5 inch red, raised rash with what appears to be blisters throughout.  The redness has spread somewhat througout the day today even with anit-fungal cream.  The rash is warm to the touch but no other part of my breast is.  In addition, I have tenderness above the rash and into my armpit.  Any feedback or personal experiences are greatly appreciated as I wait it out through the weekend for my appointment on Monday.  Thanks!

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited November 2014

    Dear Tina

    The internet is a dangerous place for medical self-diagnosis
    as it will usually direct people to the worst and most severe causes. A rash on
    the breast leads many people straight to IBC, which is actually a rare form of the different breast cancers. You
    problem is likely to be only dermatological or hormonal, but only a doctor can
    determine the correct testing path to follow.

    Members are not able to diagnose problems from photos and for your own protection too, we remove such photos. We azre glad you are seeking a medical opinion.

    Please be wary of "Dr Google" as the
    internet diagnosis seems to point anyone with a rash to IBC whereas it should
    be - Go see your Doctor! IBC is one of the uncommon cancers and while it should
    not be discounted, most rashes are caused by other reasons.

    The Mods

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited November 2014

    Why did you jump to deciding you are IBC? Based on a skin issue?

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  • Tina12
    Tina12 Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2014

    Thank you all for your responses, your feedback is greatly appreciated! 

    Kicks - when I googled breast rash and armpit pain ibc was the first thing that showed up and continued to be present in search after search. I fully admit I overuse Dr. Google and I need to stop dwelling on the worst case scenario, but that's easier said than done. And now I have the whole weekend to stew! Again, thank you all for your feedback!

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