This episode began with a red itchy painful patch about 2"x3" including the nipple. The redness resolved but the itching and pain has continued. The skin and nipple look normal. Recent exams have shown nothing and the doctors say not to be worried, but the itching and pain seems to be slowly getting worse. I am 62 and 7 years ago had a left mastectomy and reconstruction. I had two small tumors (not IBC) detected by mammogram. Am I right to be concerned? Should I seek a second opinion? If so, what kind of doctor should I see--gyn, surgeon, oncologist? And how do I find one?
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Q: I have had a painful itchy right breast for 6 months. Mammogram and physical exam show nothing.
Answers (2)
12/13/09 6:00pm
Hi - I've never heard of IBC showing symptoms for 6 months without developing into something obvious and full-blown. But obviously you're concerned about this - and it would be nice to figure out what's going on and resolve it. Ask your GP to refer you to a breast specialist - I'd think that would be your best bet. Good luck - PJH
12/14/09 6:39pm
Usually with inflammatory breast cancer, redness might get worse, but not better because the redness is caused by cancer cells blocking the lymph vessels in the skin of the breast. This link to an article about some of the kinds of rashes common in the breast might help you evaluate your situation. However, I agree with PJ that you should ask for a referral to find out what is causing the pain and itching. Your doctors are probably right that it is not a life-threatening problem that you need to worry about, but it is affecting your quality of life.
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By dk— Last Modified: 12/22/10, First Published: 12/13/09
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