Breast Infection????

Hi, about 2 weeks ago I experienced extreme pain on by left breast, there was redness everywhere, warm to touch. Went to ER and they put me on antiobiotics. (diagnosed with a breast infection) About 3 days later the pain was still there although not as intense and redness had gone away.  Went to family doctor for follow up he referred me for a mamogram (mammogram) since there was a thickness under the breast (orange peel?) Mamogram (mammogram) determined yes, there was thickness but he could not see anything else. Prior to all this I had tripped over my own feet and landed on my left breast so he determined due to trauma I must have gotten an infection by some small tear.  Well, I am still worried there seems to be small swelling in nipple area and still tender.  Does it take a while for a breast infection to go away???? Should I go for a second opinion, because if it is Breast Imflammatory Cancer how fast does it spread before it's too late???? I have alot of uneasiness about this.  My doctor would like a follow up mamogram (mammogram) in 6 months but i have read that mamograms do not always show up anything.  Please let me know what you think.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear ilmb:  A thickness (hematoma) from trauma can show on a mammogram.  Also, infections can take some time to resolve.  However, if you are concerned, a second opinion, preferably with a breast specialst, is never a bad idea, even if it is only for "peace of mind."

[oceanblue]

Hi, I would recommend that you go and get a second opinion.  What is happening to you is very similar to what happened to my mother.  My mother's right breast became enlarged, swollen, hard and that orange peel you were talking about.  She went the to doctor and he gave her antibiotics, Cipro, said it was a breast infection. Well she took these for a whole month and her breast still remained the same.  She had a mammogram done, a ultrasound done, and a needle biopsy done.  Nothing showed up, everything was clear.  So then she had another biopsy done, this time the surgeon took a sample to examine it and when the results came back he told us she had Inflammatory Breast Cancer. That same day she was diagnosed she went straight to the hospital to have blood work, CAT Scan, Bone Scan and X-rays done.  The Cat Scan revealed that the cancer was in her right breast. My mother is currently on chemo, and is doing much better. I don't want to frighten you but please try to have a 2nd opinion or a biopsy done for ease of mind.