Hi, for over a week, my left breast has become extremely itchy. It is not in the nipple area, but on the top, outside, and underside of the breast. I didn't really think much of it, but now on the underside of my breast there is a small red rash. It is also tender to the touch. I have larger breasts, so it is hard to tell if there is any swelling. After doing a little research online, I've recieved pages and pages pointing to IBC. I understand that these may be signs of a breast infection, but I have never been pregnant/I am not breastfeeding, so I know that makes an infection less likely. I am only 22 years old and I am extrememly concerned. What are your thoughts?
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5/30/10 3:23pm
You can read about some of the many possible causes of itchy breasts in this article; the least likely cause is inflammatory breast cancer, which is rare at any age and even rarer in women in their twenties. A rash on the underside of the breast is more likely to be a fungal infection or heat rash. You could see if an anti-fungal powder (like the ones used for athlete foot) helps. However, rashes are very difficult to diagnose correctly, so I'd suggest that you see a doctor. It's good that you are aware of the possibility of IBC, but start by checking out the most likely causes first. I hope you soon feel better.
6/ 1/10 2:26am
I would definitely go have it checked. I was misdiagnosised with IBC in 2005. By the time we figured it out my tumor grew to 19.5 X 6.5 cm.
The symptoms are itchy breast, orange peel look to it, tender to the touch, nipple inverted and my breast got hard to the touch and was larger than the other.
This is one breast cancer that many doctors have misdiagnosised. They think that it is an infection under the skin and put the patient on antibotics and it is so aggressive that before you know it, it's huge.
Cancer does not care about age, race, ever been pregnant. I have spoke to many a young women that did not have the history in there family and they got it in their 20's.
If you go on the IBC website, you will see all the women that were told it was an infection. One young women was only 16 years old.
I don't want to scare you but I would have it looked at. It has been 5 years since I was diagnosis with IBC, but it did metasized to my bones in 2008.
Keep in touch
Linda
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By t3hvix— Last Modified: 12/25/10, First Published: 05/30/10
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