When I initially went to the GP she felt that it could be an allergy and gave me antihistamine and cortisone cream. The rash faded to a very pale rose colour but it still persisted. I had a mammogram done two days after the rash appeared and this was clear. Due to the persistence of the rash I went back to the GP and she referred me to a surgeon specialising in breast cancer. He did a thorough examination, comparing both breasts, took a detailed history and checked the mammograms as well. The referral letter from the GP asked about the possibility of IBC but he felt that this was not an issue. he thinks that the rash is skin related rather than breast tissue related and said to see him again in a month. I am now experiencing discomfort (funny feelings) in the same breast, although the rash has not worsened, nor have I any evidence of itching, nipple itching, flaking of nipples, skin changes, swelling, heat, nipple inversion etc - just this strange sensation that I can't even describe.
I have been doing a lot of knitting and computer work over the past 2 weeks (I am right handed) and am experiencing real pain in my neck and shoulder, sometimes with numbness radiating down my inderarm to my little finger, accompanied with pins and needles. I am now wondering if the sensation I feel in my breast is referred from muscle spasms in my neck and shoulder brought on by my real concern about the possibility of cancer.
I am also wondering if you have heard of any cases of discomfort of this sort due to psychosomatic causes? I am a real panicker!
Do you think I should seek a second opinion right now or wait to see the surgeon again in 2-3 weeks time? I am able to chat to my gynaecologist telephonically tomorrow afternoon but believe that his course of action would be to refer me to a surgeon as well.
If there is any likelihood that this could be inflammatory breast cancer I would hate to waste valuable treatment time.
Hi Angelg, when you say you have done all the steps I did, did this include seeing a specialist? My situation is a little different from yours in that my rash has disappeared completely. It took some time but by the time I went for my follow up visit to the surgeon it had gone completely and has not returned. I am still experiencing some discomfort, sometimes the same prickling sensation that you feel so am just keeping a watch on things. As I was particularly concerned about having (uncommon) IBC I was particularly careful to look out for other symptoms or signs such as heat, swelling, skin changes, nipple changes, itching etc., but did not experience any of these - it was just the rash.
My doctor has carried out various other tests and has given me the all clear and made some suggestions for managing the breast discomfort.
I can't impress on you enough that you need to go to a specialist and keep asking questions until you are satisfied that you have explored all avenues regarding the rash and pain. It's really scary, I know, but I think its less scary to know what is causing the problem than just sitting hoping that the rash will go away. So, please go to your doctor and demand to get some answers to put your mind at ease. Remember that knowledge is power. Good luck!