breast discomfort

[trace624]

hi about 5 weeks ago my left breast doubled in size and was very hard also was warm to the touch.  Dr. prescribed 6000mg a day of antibiotics.  Was on this treatment for 3 weeks, after this time the breast softened to touch but could feel a thickness to the breast.  Have had ultrasound that showed a great deal of fluid in breast and mammo that showed thickened breast tissue.  2 weeks ago a egg size lump appeared in left armpit.  I have some discomfort at all times (it's like a bad sunburn sensation) and the area around and under the breast if touched feels like a pulled muscle feels like. I have no energy and am tired all the time. Started with a GP but have since been referred to a breast surgeon.  Also my nipple has inverted and has a pale yellowish white color to the areola just on affected breast. Any answers?

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive type of breast cancer.  This can be mistaken for mastitis since the clinical features are the same.
It’s a good thing you consulted early and started chemotherapy right away.
Good luck on your treatments.
Take care.

[madgeOwens]

Sorry to hear that.  Your post is a really good one, because it sounded so much like mastitis, and for it to actually be IBC (Inflammatory breast cancer), it just goes to show you need to always get it checked out asap. Good luck with your treatments and keep in touch. Madge

[trace624]

Thanks but mastitis has been ruled out and IBC has been confirmed. Start chemo right away.

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
How are you doing?
From your post, it seems that you are having an inflammation of the breast (mastitis).   It is common among breastfeeding mothers.  However, it can also occur in non-breastfeeding women as well.  Lymph nodes may enlarge secondary to the inflammation.
I agree with a referral to a breast specialist.  Breast cancer can sometimes be mistaken as mastitis.  There is a type of breast cancer, i.e., inflammatory breast cancer that is very similar to mastitis in presentation.  Typical presenting features include warmth, tenderness, and erythema of the skin of the breast, orange-peel appearance of the skin, and breast edema.  There may be no palpable mass in the breast.
Take care.