Concerned about IBC

[nuts4mccoy]

My right breast has been pinkish red for 7 months.  I saw my gyn, who sent me to a breast specialist.  I also had baseline mammograms (I'm 38).  The mammogram showed what they thought was a lymph node in the breast tissue, but wanted a followup in 6 months to make sure no changes.  The specialist said the redness wasn't anything to worry about, but wanted to followup in 3 months.  F/U mammogram was done on 5/17 and saw specialist on 5/18.  There were no changes in mammogram.  He did an ultrasound, and confirmed with radiologist that the spot was a lymphnode, but still unsure about redness.  I asked if it could be IBC and he stated no, that there would have been changes in the mammogram after 6 months because IBC is very aggressive.  Also stated that I would have hardened skin and swelling.  I have read too many times that some people just have red breasts, and I am still worried.

My Right breast is red about 1/2 way around the nipple....extending out about 1 1/2".  On close inspection, you can see many very tiny capillaries where the redness is.  There is also a spot on my L breast that has a very light "tint" on pink, with the same type capillaries.  This color changes from almost a nonexistant pink, to a redish purple.  It seems like in the morning, it is much lighter, but gets more prominent within just a few minutes once I stand up.  There is also a temperature difference.....but it is the opposite of what I have read with IBC.  These ares are NEVER warm....they are cold.  I have no pain, but occasionaly get a funny tingling "different" feeling.  I'm scared.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear nuts4mccoy:  Your description does not sound typical of IBC.  Typically IBC presents as redness, swelling and hot to touch.  It is usually only on one side and would get worse over time.  Skin on the breast, though, is just like skin anywhere else.  It can become irritated.  If the breast specialist is not concerned, you can either consider a second opinion or consider an appointment with a dermatologist.

[nuts4mccoy]

Thanks for your answer.  I am curious though....Are there benign conditions that would cause these spider like capillaries on breasts?  I have read online of other people who had them, but never a conclusion of what they turned out to be.