Fear inflammatory breast cancer

[LI Girl]

Just a question about inflammatory breast cancer -- the websites have me anxious.  I had an unexplained mastitis (31, no children)at the end of March.  It took two months before I felt better, I still have sensations in that breast.  I saw a breast surgeon and a mammo and ultrasound were conducted, all negative.  
But, is the only way to know for sure a biopsy? I still feel sensations and the breast surgeon has said this is normal, maybe even for a few months.  What warning signs should I look for?  My nipples still do not quite line up but the redness, heat and swelling have gone down as well as most of the nipple sensitivity.  Thank you for any advice.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear LI girl, If the redness/swelling and heat had been due to inflammatory breast cancer, this would not have gotten better with the antibiotics. After an infection it will take time to totally get back to normal.  If your symptoms worsen, or new changes develope you would want to be checked out again.

[surgeon]

On the one hand, the only way to know "for sure" is a biopsy; on the other hand, the fact that the findings have gone away is virtual proof that it wasn't breast cancer.

[highaim]

I'm not a physician, so take it with a grain of salt, but I think the idea that a response to antibiotics is "proof" that clinical symptoms aren't indicative of IBC is common in the medical community.....and unfortunately faulty. IBC seems to be one of the most often misdiagnosed type of breast cancer....and because it it the most aggressive and deadliest.....Dr's should be more vigilant at looking for it.

http://www.ibcresearch.org/symptoms/#Antibiotics
(This is not the only story I have read of women having at least partial responses to antibiotics with IBC)

I don't know your circumstance....but I just turned 30....have been diagnosed with IBC. I was told too that it was mastitis initially. I did not have a response to the antibiotics....but even after a biopsy they diagnosed me incorrectly. I had mastitis when I breastfed some 14 years ago......and I knew that it just wasn't the same. Mastitis is more common than IBC......but if you're not breastfeeding or haven't had any unusual changes or events that may have cause dan infection....I wouldn't assume your odds of having mastitis are any better than having IBC. Advocate for yourself........