went to onc about rib pain now possible skin mets

2angels

I finally went to see my onc. about the rib pain I have been having in my right ribcage. It has now been about a month and it is still there. When she did the examination, she saw a red bump in my surgical scar under my arm. They tried to do a FNA but didn't get any cells. She is planning on the surgeon doing a punch biopsy. I had plain film xrays done of my ribs and go the 27th for a bone scan.

Does anyone have any information on skin metastasis? I knew they were possible but don't really know what they look like, or how they are treated. Does anyone know how a punch biopsy is perfomed? I am going to be anxious until I get back the results of all these tests.

vhqh

A punch biopsy is done with a round hollow sharp tube, the doctor will basically push it down into your skin and remove a small plug of tissue.  Mine did not hurt but I don't remember if they used painkiller first or not.  If you turn out to be a bleeder like me the doctor may put a stitch in but normally they just cover with a bandaid.

2angels

Thank you for explaining that. I go on Wed. and will get the results of the bone scan and then will see the breast surgeon about the punch biopsy. It sounds like a very simple procedure.  Thanks.

Fidelia

I have had two recurrences - both times had skin mets - presented like skin coloured cysts which grew quickly. Had them surgically removed and both times they proved to be the same sort of tumour as the original primary. The pathology was used to adjust my treatment - change hormone therapy - surgery was trivial and healed well - good luck - if it turned out to be mets - surgery is best response in my experience