Infective Mastitis

[mini93]

I had redness, pain and tenderness on my left breast long with headache, fever and chills on February 6, 2012. I went to my family doctor and he sent me to the Emergency. I was put on IV antibiotics and hospitalized for 3 days. The redness  started coming  downs  as soon the antibiotics kicked in. Blood culture showed no bacterial growth. When I was sent home I was given oral antibiotics to take for a week. Everything is back to normal. An ultrasound was done when I was hospitalized and it recommended to have a mammography done to differentiate between Infective Mastitis & Inflammatory carcinoma.
I was told to wait for a month before going for a mammogram, I have one scheduled for March 1st.
I have read all information and I am worried it may be inflammatory carcinoma. Would you be able to comment on this. I know the symptoms of mastitis are similar to inflammatory carcinoma but do want to get the correct diagnosis.

[mini93]

I did get a mammography done and the radiologist finding was that there was a large focal area seen on the left side which they assume is a remnant of parenchymal tissue from infection. Another mammography is advised in 6 months. But I am still worried. Please advise

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Inflammatory breast disease frequently presents with symptoms resembling an inflammation and the findings may be missed on mammography. The only reliable method of diagnosis is biopsy. Mammography, MRI or ultrasound often show suspicious signs; however in a significant proportion of cases they would miss a diagnosis.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.