Recent Appearance of 4 Marks on Radiated Breast - Concern?

CTMOM1234

I completed 25 full and 5 boost rad treatments 13 months ago with nothing unusual. My "tan" is pretty much completely gone, but last week I noticed some marks that are now causing me concern and am wondering if this is related to bc/rads or something harmless and unrelated. What I see is a nearly dime-sized ring with 3 smaller roughly-shaped rings -- these are near my cleavage which is the opposite side of where my dcis was. The centers are not red, but there is a red border, Anybody else get this as a course of recovery? There's no lump or discomfort.

CTMOM1234

Yes, it almost looks like bug bites, but no itching at all, no oozing, not raised. Don't like that they are only on the radiated side. Am hoping it is just that one's skin is more sensitive to things (sun, lotion, clothing) although I do not recall any unusual exposure there.

Leah_S

CTMom, it sounds like ringworm to me, too. I think a dermatologist is the one who would know.

Best of luck.

Leah

CTMOM1234

Well I looked up pictures on google, def. not ringworm (never thought it was ladies) but for all of you dealing with rads. just a heads up that our skin apparently has a weakened immunity even 13 months out to "everyday" things. I'm going to monitor for the next week.

CTMOM1234

Thankfully these marks appear to be nothing more than a skin irritation (my main concern was that it was something related to bc) and are definitely lighter now and with no medical intervention. It's been more than a year since my last zap and up until now, can't really complain, but as a result of looking into my concern I did become educated on what rads unfortunately have done to my immune system on that side.

There is another interesting thread on the rad board about the kinds of problems/diseases that people are concerned about having had rads. A number of people posted about permanent or at least long-term differences in skin sensitivity to otherwise normal things like soap on their zapped side.

kathyob

Which post is this about the concerns post rads? I am having some issues, including the red areas you describe. I am 6 weeks out. I have been having more shooting pains and my breast feels hot and uncomfortable if I wear a bra too many days in a row. Thanks!

Linda-Renee

I just found this group when trying to find info about skin changes after radiation. I finished radiation in mid-May and my radiation oncologist noticed some strange-looking black things that look like birth marks under my radiated breast. I am waiting to see a dermatologist and hopefully it is nothing to worry about... Has anybody else had anything like this? They are definitely black marks (as opposed to red) with very irregular edges.

Linda-Renee

Quick update. I saw my dermatologist (who also has been dealing with breast cancer) and she laughed. She got out the rubbing alcohol and a swab and wiped it way. It was an accumulation of dead skin. After radiation, we are so used to being gentle in washing the skin around and under the breast that this type of mark apparently happens fairly often. What a relief!!!