Last Updated on March 28, 2025 by tanya

Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) Mistaken for Mastitis

 

Find Out If You Have A Valid Claim

 

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) can be mistaken for mastitis as both conditions have similar symptoms. However, IBC requires early diagnosis and urgent treatment as it is an aggressive cancer. As a result, misdiagnosis, or a delayed diagnosis can have far-reaching consequences.

If medical negligence is suspected, you may be entitled to file a claim for compensation. Your first priority is to seek a second medical opinion from a specialist. If you have already suffered, a claim can help to provide financial and emotional support to you and your family.

At First Personal Injury, we work with experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. They can give you expert advice on whether you have a claim for compensation and support you through this difficult time. Below we take a look at how a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis may happen.

 

Early Symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

 

IBC presents differently from other forms of breast cancer as it does not usually cause a distinct lump in the breast. Instead, it becomes apparent through rapid changes in the skin and texture of the breast. Some of the key early symptoms include:

 

Redness or Rash: One of the earliest signs of IBC is redness over a large portion of the breast. This redness may appear as a rash and may not be relieved by antibiotics, which is a normal treatment for mastitis.

 

Swelling and Enlargement: The affected breast may become swollen and increase in size over a short period. It may often appear asymmetrical compared to the other breast.

 

Skin Changes : The skin of the breast may take on a dimpled or pitted texture resembling the peel of an orange (Peau d’Orange) due to fluid build-up and lymphatic obstruction.

 

Warmth and Tenderness: The affected breast may feel warm to the touch, tender, and even painful.

 

Nipple Changes: Retraction or inversion of the nipple can occur. There may also be changes in the skin around the nipple area.

 

Persistent Itching: Unlike typical breast cancer, IBC may cause intense itching of the breast. Potentially this can sometimes be mistaken for a skin condition.

 

Swollen Lymph Nodes: Lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone may become enlarged.

 

Thickening of the Breast Skin: The skin may feel thicker and firmer due to underlying tumour activity.

 

Can Symptoms of IBC Come and Go?

 

IBC symptoms typically worsen rapidly over a few weeks rather than fluctuating. However, some women may notice temporary improvement. This can lead to the mistaken belief that the condition is resolving on its own.

For example, redness and swelling may subside slightly before worsening again. This intermittent nature may contribute to misdiagnosis, as it may initially seem like an infection responding to treatment.

 

Similar Symptoms Between IBC and Mastitis

 

Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue, most commonly affecting breastfeeding women. It shares several symptoms which include:

Redness and Warmth: Both conditions can cause the breast to become red and feel hot to the touch.

Swelling: Mastitis and IBC can lead to significant breast swelling.

Pain and Tenderness: Both conditions may cause pain, tenderness, and general discomfort in the affected breast.

Skin Changes: While mastitis can sometimes cause thickening of the skin, IBC’s peau d’orange texture is a more specific sign of cancer.

Enlarged Lymph Nodes: In both conditions, lymph nodes may become swollen as the body responds to an infection or, in the case of IBC, to the spread of cancer cells.

 

Why Does Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis Occur?

 

Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of IBC often occurs due to its resemblance of symptoms to more common conditions like mastitis, or even allergic reactions. This is complicated by the fact IBC is a rare cancer and so may not be suspected,

Additionally, since mastitis is usually treated with antibiotics, a doctor may prescribe this course of treatment. However, IBC does not respond to antibiotics. Delays in pursuing further diagnostic tests may result in to late-stage diagnosis and poorer prognosis. This can include mammograms, ultrasounds and biopsies.

 

Filing a Medical Negligence Claim

 

If you have experienced harm due to a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of IBC, you may have grounds to file a medical negligence claim. The aim of a claim is to compensate you for the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of a doctor’s failure to diagnose and treat the condition promptly.

To succeed in a medical negligence claim, you must be able to establish negligence. This would be showing that the medical provider breached their standard duty of care by misdiagnosing or delaying diagnosis. Furthermore, you will have to show that the delay or misdiagnosis directly caused harm and worsened your prognosis.

It is essential for you to speak to a medical negligence lawyer to assess your case. You will need to obtain all your medical records and get an expert opinion with an independent medical expert. Generally, claims must be filed within three years from the date of misdiagnosis, or from when the patient became aware of the negligence.

 

If you or a loved one has suffered from medical negligence regarding IBC,  First Personal Injury can guide you through the process to get the compensation you deserve. We work with experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Call us at 0333 358 2345 or contact us online for a free consultation.