Breast Cancer Advice Center

I have not yet been diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer yet, I have all the signs except the redness?

I go for a biopsy in one week.... My right breast has two knots and is very inflammed but no redness. It is painful and my lymph nodes under my right arm is also swollen. I was first thought to have a breast infection but after 40 days of antibotics and no improvement, two ultrasounds, two mamograms... I am now seeing a surgeon to have the biopsy. My question is... can it still be inflammatory breast cancer even if there is no redness or discoloration? thanks for your help

Public Comments

1. Sadly yes it can, i know to my cost! Saying that after surgery, chemo & radiotherapy all is good. Being diagnosed early is the utmost most important thing and agressive, pro active treatment and of course attitude. I never had any redness or even much pain, nearly just let it go, but for some nagging doubt in my head that it was just a breast infection as my 1st Dr told me, have a 2nd, 3rd opinion if you need. Be strong and good luck!
2. Unfortunately what you are describing is very suspicious. You definitely need the biopsy so appropriate treatment can be started. Not everyone who has inflammatory cancer will have redness of the breast. Inflammatory cancer refers to breast cancer that has invaded the dermal (skin) lymphatics (lymph vessels).
3. Unfortunately yes it can.