Viens in Breast with other symptoms

[MariaG1012]

Hi,
I have a dr. appt. on 1-30.  Have had 2 breast infections, have had my lymphnodes swollen for many months left side somewhat, but ride side a bit larger than left. Have had burning feeling in the right breast, some discoloration.  I believe it may be IBC, and am trying to rule it out. No one in this area, RI, seems to know much about it.  My question though is in reference to viens being puffy and prominent.  I had never heard of that in reference to a possible breast cancer issue.  My right breast has prominent, puffy veins, one in particular that leads directly to the areola.  Should I bring this up to my doctor?  I get very intimidated have so many questions, but feel foolish to ask when I go to the dr.  I really feel something is very wrong with my right breast, other than the infection I had in November.
Thank you for your time in answering what you can.
Maria G

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Maria G:  Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare form of breast cancer that usually presents as a swollen, red, hot to touch breast.  If you have had an infection, it  is possible for that to cause some swelling in the lymph nodes.  Because inflammatory breast cancer can mimic an infection in the breast, it is important to be followed for resolution of the changes.   Most women with breast infections have a reason for the infection such prior surgery, a skin lesion or breast feeding. Any form of inflammation can cause veins to be more prominent. It is appropriate to bring up all of your concerns with your doctor.  

[lizziecee]

Hi - sorry you are having breast problems. I had breast cancer 4 years ago, and two years after, got a very enlarged vein in the same breast.It was like a long ropey lump.  First surgeon I saw at an emergency clinic said it was due to radiotherapy - I thought not. Two months later I saw my original bc surgeon and he diagnosed Mondor's disease - a superficial thrombophlebitis in the breast. He said he had never seen this in some 30 years of dealing with bc patients, but had seen it in patients without bc. He even asked my permission to bring in some radioligists to see it - no problem for me if it helps them in the future to diagnose this. It is very rare and he said most bc surgeons will have never seen it. You may want to ask your obgyn/bc surgeon about this - you can Google this under Mondor's disease for more information. Mine resolved itself in about 18 months, and it is not cancerous.  good luck. Liz.

[MariaG1012]

I don't think the staff will get this.... but I have had a breast infection in Nov and my breast was twice it's size, very hot to the touch, very red in a specific area, with no apparent reason.  No nick in the skin, no breastfeeding, etc.... Once the "infection" is gone, I would have thought the viens would have gone back to normal.  Since the infection NOTHING in my right breast has been normal.  I am in fear of being mis-diagnosed and realize with IBC, it is very common because it is rare.  There is no specialist in RI that has ever diagnosed or seen IBC.

[Under Forty Pam]

Get an appt with a breast specialist / breast surgeon, not just your OBGYN.  They know the most about what might be going on.  Don't panic yet just find the right doctors.