Can MRI rule out IBC?

[Kristal71]

I've read that IBC often does not show up on mammograms and ultrasounds but what about MRI?

I started with stabbing pains in my right breast on April 7th. Negative mamm and ultrasound but since a painful lump was clincally palpable I was referred to a surgeon. The surgeon then ordered an MRI since I'm 36 with a positive family history for BC and I have dense breast tissue. I was convinced it would show infection since that breast was much warmer to the touch and I had bleeding ONCE from two ducts in the areola. The surgeon blew this off saying I must have scratched it or something. I knew I hadn't done that but thought it possible that the mamm 9 days prior might have upset these ducts. Initially, the breast clinic doc said I had a 1cm round movable mass, possibly in the skin. The surgeon disagrees and says I now have three raised areas or half moon lumps on the breast tissue that was consistent with fibrocystic breasts and to take motrin. My GP is still concerned and is running blood tests. Now, I have a recurrent bruise on the right breast and small little bleeding sores and still these stabbing annoying pains.
Below are the MRI results
A few small foci of progressive enhancement are seen bilaterally and these are judged to be benign. A 7mm round circumscribed mass which fulfills MRI criteria for a fibroadenoma is located in the 8:00 position of the left breast.
Thanks for your help!

[ANGEL4/2]

Hi Im not a doctor- but i have IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer) Im my experience if u wait 6 months, YOU WAITED TO LONG!!!!!!!!
Theres alot of things I would like to say but wont. Except do yourself a favor DEMAND a biopsy immediatly. Please forgive if the spelling is incorrect I have chemo brain. (goes away after chemo). MRI doesnt not rule out IBC.
I started off with a hard spot (like a calus) near where breast ends and chest starts. (going up) in 3 weeks time my hole breast and from my collar bone to the bottom of my breast, lymph nodes  are filled with cancer. Breast went from normal to something out of a movie. do your home work. Read signs about signs and symptoms.   (NOT 1 PERSON IN MY FAMILY HAD BREAST CANCER)   GOOD LUCK AND GOD SPEED

[Cleveland Clinic]

Proposed answer:

Dear Krystal71:  Inflammatory breast cancer is a very rare form of breast cancer that generally presents as a swollen, red, and hot to touch breast.  It is often painless.  MRI is a test that is very sensitive and as a result often shows false positive results.  It should not be used in isolation and the results should be compared to examination, mammogram and ultrasound.  The results you write in your question are benign.  Fibroadenomas are benign lumps that are quite common.  They can grow to be quite large and many will resolve on their own in time.  They do not need to be removed as long as there is certainty that they are fibroadenomas.  You may benefit from seeing a medical breast specialist (these are often found in large academic medical centers) who can review all of the information and do an examination and make recommendations for further evaluation, if needed.

[MiracleB]

In the mean time and of course this is just my opinion, but if my doctor, especially a surgeon, blew my concerns off and tried to explain them away with an adament you must have done something, I would definately be getting another doctor. It is so important to have a doctor which you feel comfortable talking to and who will seriously listen to your concerns.  This is your body they are trying help and you need to get the best help possible. I live in a very small town, but there are lots of doctors. I did not have any history of breast cancer in my family and perhaps I was just fortunate enough or because all reports about my lump kept saying it warranted further inverstigation, but  I was told that the best way to make sure is to do a biopsy. I think perhaps I just had good doctors. Were they overly cautious or aggressive? Not in my mind, I was glad when they acted so agrressive and quickly, I ended up with cancer, but it was caught very early and am so glad for that. Becuase of this early catch and quick responce on my doctors' part, they were all very optomistic that it could be handled with minimal treatment, but treatment or follow-up was continued until the whole story was known and believe you me, I would go with your gut feelings. If you are still concerned, make them or a new docotr run other tests to help to get to a definative answer. I am glad your docotr is running blood test and at least not giving up.