Big lump after re-excision

localgirl

Hi all-

So this past Monday I had my re-excision to get better margins and almost immediately after surgery, things were different.  It had been 3 weeks since my first surgery and aside from bruising and soreness, the look and feel of the breast was terrific.  When I woke up Tuesday morning, there was a huge hard lump that went from the incision back towards my underarm.  It just felt totally solid, and very swollen under the armpit.  This was not there before at all.  I went to see the nurse that morning to look at it since it alarmed me and she said it was fine.  Fine with her maybe, but has anyone experienced such a hard mass right after surgery?  Is it fluid or scar tissue?  Will it be there forever?  Wonder why it happened now and not after the first one!

Thanks for the help - it has me a bit scared.  

TenderIsOurMight

Hi Localgirl,

I had a similar lump develop soon after surgery and it was from bleeding into the surgical site. The lump was very firm, and took a long time to resolve. I also had extension into the arm pit, that was from a condition known as Mondor's Syndrome. It seemed that the surgery traumatized the blood vessels and/or lymph vessels enough (they could never tell which in my weird case) that they occluded and hence a long firm band extended up to my axlla. If you search "Mondors" in this forum's search engine (up on the right, top) you will find lots of discussion on this.

It seems like a visit to your doctor her or himself is in order for advise and diagnosis. I just want to wish you well, and share my situation and encourage you not to get discouraged but check back in for their suggestions.

My best to you,

Tender