RED RAISED SPOT ON BREAST

I've recently noticed a nickle size red raised patch on my breast, not near the nipple. My Dr. has referred me to a dermatologist for a biopsy. As my mother had breast cancer twice in 25 years, I'm suspious of any abnormallity. If it is IBC will a skin biopsy verify? If the biopsy is negative, should I see a breast cancer specialist? What else might this be? There is no iching or pain.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear pamcam:  Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare form of breast cancer that usually presents as a reddened, swollen, hot to touch breast.  As the skin on the breast is like skin anywhere else on the body, it is subject to a variety of abnormalities.  Your mother

[lizziecee]

Hi Pam, until the nurse answers, just wanted to send you a note. The red spot could be any kind of skin disease - exczema (eczema), psoriasis etc. Seeing a dermatologist would be the first step - ask for a skin punch biopsy, which should give a definitive diagnosis. If the derm can't help, I would suggest you see a bc surgeon who has had some experience in treating ibc. Hope it turns out an easy matter to fix.
Liz.