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Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) Misdiagnosed as Mastitis
Guiding You Through A Claim For Compensation
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) misdiagnosed as mastitis may delay urgently needed treatment. The two have similar symptoms which can result in a mistaken diagnosis of mastitis. To add to this, IBC is an aggressive and fast progressing cancer which requires early intervention and treatment.
IBC is considered a rare form of breast cancer, accounting for only a small percentage of all breast cancers. However, it is because it is rare, that diagnosis may be missed or delayed.
A misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can be devastating and may lead to a clinical negligence claim. If this has happened to you or a loved one, we work with expert lawyers who can assess your case.
Why is IBC Misdiagnosed as Mastitis?
IBC and mastitis share several characteristics and so differentiation in the early stages may be tricky. Both conditions can cause redness, swelling, and warmth in the breast. This could result in a medical professional assuming it is an inflammatory condition rather than a malignancy.
Mastitis can be easily treated with antibiotics. But IBC requires chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. Unfortunately, a delayed diagnosis can allow the cancer to progress.
Key Differences Between IBC and Mastitis
While the symptoms of IBC and mastitis overlap, there are critical differences between the two conditions:
Response to Antibiotics:
Mastitis, being an infection, generally improves with a 7–10 day course of antibiotics.
IBC does not respond to antibiotics and continues to progress despite treatment.
Presence of a Lump:
Mastitis can sometimes be accompanied by a tender lump due to a blocked milk duct.
IBC typically does not present with a distinct lump but instead causes a general thickening of the breast tissue.
Skin Changes:
In IBC, the skin may take on a dimpled or “peau d’orange” (orange peel) appearance due to cancerous cells blocking lymphatic drainage.
Mastitis can cause redness and warmth but does not usually result in this kind of skin texture change.
Speed of Progression:
IBC symptoms develop rapidly over a few weeks.
Mastitis can come on suddenly but should subside with treatment.
Pain Levels:
Both conditions can cause discomfort, but IBC may present with burning or itching sensations that persist.
Nipple Changes:
IBC can lead to retraction or inversion of the nipple.
Mastitis does not usually affect nipple position unless there is an abscess formation.
When Should You Seek Further Medical Attention?
If you have been diagnosed with mastitis but your symptoms do not improve after a course of antibiotics, you should seek further medical evaluation. Insist on additional testing, including:
- A mammogram and/or ultrasound to assess underlying abnormalities.
- A biopsy if there is any doubt about the cause of the symptoms.
- A breast MRI, which can be more effective in detecting IBC.
Given the aggressive nature of IBC, early detection is crucial.
Clinical Negligence Claims
If you have suffered from a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of IBC, you may be want to file a clinical negligence claim. To succeed in a claim, you must prove that a GP or specialist failed to investigate symptoms properly. This may include not conducting further tests or delaying referrals to a breast specialist.
You will also have to show that the delay in diagnosis directly caused a worsening or your condition
What To Do Next If You Suspect Negligence
A clinical negligence claim should generally be filed within three years from the date of the misdiagnosis, or when you became aware of the misdiagnosis. Request copies of your medical records, including test results and referral timelines.
It is essential that you chat to a clinical negligence lawyer who can assess your case and advise if it is valid. You would also need an independent medical opinion from a specialist who can review your condition.
Our team will support you and your family through the claim process with care and understanding. We only work with lawyers who will consider all aspects of your case and who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.
Contact Jefferies Claims today at 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange a free, no-obligation telephone consultation with a member of our expert team.