Can I get breast cancer after a bilat mastectomy????

chandra79

In July of 05 a week after my 26th BD, I was dx with infiltrating ductal carcinoma, Lt breast. Two tumors. We removed via lumpectomy, and I did chemo and radiation. A year and a half after finishing treatments, I was dx again. This time rt breast 3 tumors. Found out I am BRAC1. So bilat mast it was. 7 surgeries later, here I am, getting back into shape, and I feel a lump on left breast. This side was a problem due to previous radiation. So after removing tissue, skin grafts, and then eventually a latissimus dorsi flap, it is well, different than my right side that is just hard implant muscle and skin. SO! I find this lil lump, that reminds me of the first time I felt a lump, there is pain when I push on it. So, my question is this, CAN YOU GET BREAST CANCER AFTER A BILAT MAST???????

Mantra

Unfortunately there are a few people on the board who have had BC after BMX. I've heard the odds of it are very low but best to get it checked at as soon as you can.

StaceyLynn

Yes, it's possible because every single breast tissue is not removed. Please get it checked out.

Carlatap

I can only share with you my experience. I am BRCA2+. So after having BC for the 2nd time, I had a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. It took a while to heal because of some poor blood circulation issues. Anyway, after the mastectomies,  I had a lump as well and got it checked out. I went to my surgeon to get a biopsy. He took 3 samples from the lump. It turns out the lump was considered fat necrosis. Since then, I have found many more. The first one made me very nervous b/c it felt much like the malignant tumor I had found the 2nd time I had cancer. It hurt when I pressed down on it. I hope this is the same thing you have-fat necrosis. The best way to know is to get a biopsy done. Its rather rare to have cancer again after a mastectomy, so I hope for the best for you!!

Carla