Are these characteristic signs of IBC ?

[ally23]

I am scared out of my mind right now. Approx. 2 weeks ago I noticed my left breast had become hard, slightly red, very tender and warm to the touch. It also had grown in size, not overly, but enough that I noticed a difference when looking at them both. There is no dimpling or inversion of the nipple nor is there an orange skin app.
   I had just gotten over my period so my breasts should'nt have been tender, ( or as tender as that).
I can feel a large lump that encircles about 80% of my breast. I went to my Gynecologist and she suggested a mammogram and an ultrasound and also to contact a breast surgeon.
The redness has disappeared at this point but the pain and the swelling is still there. I am 40 years old( just turned 40 in August)and have no family history of breast cancer. My mother said there is a family history of cystic breasts.
I had no idea about IBC until my sister had mentioned that she was doing some research on my condition. I am distraught over this because the signs are very much like what I am experiencing. I am scheduled to have a Mammogram and an Ultrasound today 9/17. Could this possibly be an infection of my breast? Are these all confirmed signs of IBC ? I understand I will be getting some answers very soon from my breast surgeon, but at this point and having spent countless hours and sleepless nights doing research and comparisons on my condition I am in dire need of some kind of answer.  Please help me, I am trying to keep calm and strong about this. But I am terrified.
Thank you so much for any help or advice you can give to me.
Karen

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Karen:  These are symptoms that can be related to IBC.  However, you could possibly have an infection.  Until the mammogram, ultrasound and breast surgeon have had an opportunity to evaluate this, there is no way to know what you are currently dealing with.  Here's hoping it turns out to be benign.

[Carol in Florida]

You need to be aware that IBC often will not show up on mammogram. If there is some characteristic skin thickening, that might show up on the mammogram if the tech knows to check for it.

I was diagnosed with IBC 13 months ago, and would strongly urge you to also see the breast surgeon for a biopsy as soon as possible. Yes, it could be an infection, so a trial run of antibiotics might be prescribed, but go ahead with the biopsy, too. Make sure the surgeon has hear of IBC--not all have seen it, it's still pretty rare.