SCAR TISSUE IN BREAST 8 YEARS LATER

talbrig13

I just saw my radiation onc today - who I see each year and who orders and reads my annual mammograms. I had lumpectomy and rads 8 years ago. I had no problems during treatments. This was 2007. In both 2010 and 2012 I ended up having needle biopsies which ended up being scar tissue.

When I had my mammo last week the radiologist said they thought everything looked the same as last year and I should be good to go. However he sent a report to the onc that I should have a 6 month mammo on the treated breast to follow up on "changes" which are most likely scar tissue.

When will this end? How long will it be until the scar tissue "settles down" and stabilizes?

Should I consider a mastectomy so that I can breath easy?

I had a breast reduction on the other side 2 years after my treatments for symmetry and now, after all the needle biopsies and them suctioning out tissue, I am lopsided again.

Has anyone else had issues this far out from their treatments??

lisa137

No one can tell you if you should consider a mastectomy or not; it's something you *can* consider, but it's totally up to you. You just have to decide which is worse for you, the anxiety or the loss of a breast. The answer is different for every woman, and can only come from inside.

Bounce

Perhaps some ladies with more knowledge will be along soon and can correct me if I am wrong but mastectomy will also leave a scar and will need monitoring too for possible recurrence - it decreases the risk but does not eliminate it entirely.

My one breast is a lot larger than the other - always has been. It is not the most comfortable situation for me and makes buying bras really difficult but I have been assured by people whose opinion I trust that it is not visible through clothing or a problem for others.

I can relate to you wanting peace of mind and comfort - I am just not sure mastectomy is the answer. I often think about this issue too.

artsee

Talbrig 13.... I remember you well because I had BC shortly after you and I also recall our Oncotype scores were not the best.

I have been trying to figure out where to post my recent problem and I think this is the place.

About four weeks ago I noticed my lumpectomy scar (which always had a lot of scar tissue) started to turn reddish purple in color. I was due for a mamo the following week so I went in telling them of my concern. I was given an ultrasound imediately after. The Pathologist came in and did the Ultrasound himself and said he didn't see anything on the tests but didn't like the way it looked to his eye. So he made an apt. For me with a surgeon who I saw the next day. The surgeon examined me and said it looked like a recurrence to him. He said he did think it was unusual to have a recurrence 7 years out. He did a biopsy and in two days they called and the results were...B-9. Diagnosis was Fat Necrosis and Fibrosis. He got a lot of oil that came out while taking three samples.

When I went to get the stitches out he prescribed antibiotics because it was still a red color. I took the last one today.

My question to anyone out there is....has anyone had this. Drained the area but continues to stay red? I am having a lot of anguish about it because I keep thinking it should go back to normal skin tone. I do know that radiation can cause stuff like this years after the fact. I'm bothered by it because it was always normal skin and then it turned....and is staying. The surgeon had mentioned when he did the biopsy that I should think about having the scar tissue removed. I know he wants to do that because that's his job, but that will not resolve this. It will form more scar tissue and the whole thing starts all over.

Talbrig 13,I think that a mastectomy is an over the top resolve. Think of the scaring after that.

I am anxious to hear if anyone has had issues with Fat Necrosis.

Hugs to you,

Artsee

talbrig13

Artsee,

So sorry I haven't responded. I have been busy getting ready for our Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Fundraising walk. Our 2 year old grandson has CF.... kind of my focus and takes my mind off of Breast Cancer. My sister in law was just given the news of a positive breast biopsy, so we are concerned about her too. too too many of us.

Anyway,I really haven't done anything yet. I am waiting it out until the next mammogram which is scheduled for September 21st. But I am thinking seriously that if I have to even go thru another biopsy, I will visit my breast surgeon and at least discuss the pros and cons of a mastectomy and reconstruction. The involved breast has now been biopsied 3 times already and each time leaves me more lopsided and scarred...this is after I had a reduction on the other side for symmetry. What a joke! I am definitely not symmetrical anymore. I ramble on...I don't care so much about that anymore, but I find myself examining myself almost daily and wondering about all the bumps and lumps and which one will be the one that is not scar tissue. It is a constant worry.

I don't have any issues with the discoloration at the scar site though, and I can understand your concern. I would definitely want to get to the bottom of that.

Jo-5....what exactly is angiosarcoma? Is it a cancer or a benign condition? Would it be common after radiation? Is it common for it to recur in the chest wall?

Thanks for giving me your thoughts!

Terry