My Mom who is 66 started getting some breast discomfort and pain about one week ago. There was redness, swelling and heat from her skin and so she went to her doctor who then put her on antibiotics for a breast infection. The doctor was totally confused how a woman her age could have a breast infection. But, my mom started taking her antibiotics and 4 days later, her breast was still firm to the touch, sore, very red at certain times of the day, hot to the touch, and so we were very concerned.
Yesterday I told her to go into the urgent care because 4 days into the antibiotic, I would expect a pretty significant improvement. BTW, I should mention that her internist told her to get a mammogram about 4-6 weeks after the infection resolved. But, when the symptoms persisted, I encouraged her to go to the urgent care.So, at the urgent care, the doctor told her about Inflammatory Breast Cancer. She ordered an ultrasound of my mom's breast and they called with the results this morning. The results from the ultrasound are negative, meaning they didn't find cancer. But, what i'm wondering is, what could possibly be causing the redness and infection?
For those of you who might know, is the ultrasound the best way to detect cancer? From what I'm reading, mammograms don't always pick up on cancer and so often times they will use ultrasounds and other tests to look for answers.
What could possibly be causing a "breast infection?" I'm grateful that the ultrasound didn't find anything, but then what caused it?
Thanks for your support.
Get a second opinion but I would take the infection as good news since breast cancer doesn't present itself like an infection. And yes, until we get the new blood test coming in the next few years, ultrasounds are best to find cancer. I have to get one with my yearly exam because I have dense tissue and regular mammogram isn't thorough enough.
Does your mom have a firm or hard spot she can feel in her breast like a lump? Perhaps she has a milk duct that has changed. I can't answer for your mom but it would be best for her to get the mammogram and go from there.
We cannot answer your questions here as we are not trained in breast anatomy. What would apply to me may not apply to your mom. I had my breast surgery 18 years ago.
Talk with the doctor. Write down any questions your mom or you have have and let him/her answer.
Let us know what the results are.
the other S.
I would suggest seeing a breast specialist if she hasn't already. I had mastitis several years ago and it was MRSA. Regular antibiotics barely helped at all and I had to be put on the strong stuff for about 3 mos. The breast specialist was able to do a culture and diagnose the MRSA right away. Hope she starts feeling better.
I would absolutely get her to someone who deals with breasts all the time -- a gynecologist who's doing breast exams all the time or as someone said below, an oncologist with a specialty in breast cancer. But you likely would have to get her primary physician to refer her to any specialist and I would wager that her primary will brush you off and say the ultrasound is the final word.
Fortunately, ob/gyns are considered "primary care doctors" under the law so she should be able to see one without a referral and much sooner than if she gets a referral-- she should still check with her insurance. Whenever I've had issues with my breasts (have fibrocystic breasts) I go straight to my gynecologist--she handles breasts all day every day and frankly, primary care doctors just don't, even though many do breast checks and gyn exams.
Inflammatory breast cancer is fast-moving and serious, and while it is MUCH likelier that your mom does indeed have an infection of a duct or something like that -- it is worth being sure.
I didn't get far in your description before I thought "Inflammatory Breast Cancer." A friend of mine, only in her 30s, had a double mastectomy for that a couple of years ago. The biggest thing I took away from her ordeal was you're not crazy and get a second opinion. If it's not right still, tell her to go to a breast specialist. Please. Inflammatory Breast Cancer is not the typical lump in the breast people might find with a mammogram. If it isn't cancer, a specialist will know more than the run of the mill GP.
My mom's breast cancer was not detected on a mammogram or ultrasound. It was only detected through a blood test, and then it was metastatic, and not good.
I would seek a second opinion from another doctor, an oncologist, etc. and make sure they're ruled out cancer beyond the visual radiologists observation.
Maybe they can try a more powerful antibiotic as well!
Best of luck, and prayers for you and your mom!
I've had a beast infection called mastitis. I think that means the infection is in the milk glands. It cleared up after a few days of antbiotics.
I would trust the ultra sound. False negatives are rare. An ultrasound allows the doctor to see tissue. Cancer tissue looks different than normal tissue. I suggest you talk with the doctor who ordered the ultrasound. He can give you more information that will help set your mind at ease.
I've had doctors who gave me a copy of the report and would've answered any questions.
If the ultra sound is negative then she doesn't have inflammatory breast cancer. Ultrasound is a better detector than a mammogram for breast tissue.
Infection can get into your system and settle into any region of your body. Looking for the cause of an infection is a waste of your time and energy. Instead help mom focus on eating well and getting lots of rest and fluids so her body is strong enough to fight off future infections.
It would not hurt to get a second opinion.
A sebaceous cyst can happen at any time. It's like a boil. I had one a couple of months ago. It has to be lanced and then antibiotics started. Any doc can diagnose it. If they are concerned about any other things then they need to proceed carefully.
I agree with the other posters who say to get a second opinion. Go to an OBGYN and have them send her somewhere for a mamo and 2nd US.
Good luck!!
