Troubling symptom-Have implants

Mswanson502

First a little history that may be important. I have, possibly terminal, black mold poisoning. I've been in treatment for 3 years. I'm currently doing hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy & have been for 2.5 years. Unfortunately the treatment is no longer working, and it's causing strokes, seizures and liver and kidney issues.

I had silicone implants put in about 4 years ago after losing 130 lbs and before I was diagnosed with black mold poisoning. I would have never had them done had I known.

Anyway, lately I'm having pain and itching in my right breast. Both breasts have gone down about 1/2 cup size, despite the fact that I'm gaining weight. The right one also looks sort of flat under the nipple area. I woke up a few days ago to VERY prominent veins protruding on my right breast. One goes almost up to my neck. I'm 42, but that's no reason for them to pop up overnight. Where the vein starts (at my nipple) and where it ends (near my collar bone), it itches. It's also painful at times. I haven't felt for a lump because of the implants. I'm terrified of popping one by pressing around, if I haven't already. I also keep getting an odd rash on my chest area.

My mother (at 36), 3 aunts (1 died) and grandmother (died) had breast cancer. One aunt had ovarian cancer (died). My grandmother had stomach cancer (died). My grandfather had lung cancer (died). I had carcinoma-in-situ of the cervix and had everything removed at age 28. I've been on hormone replacements since then because the symptoms were absolutely unbearable. I have had many mammograms because of it but it's been 5 years. I recently moved, so I don't have an ob/gyn. I have an appointment with my primary care doctor Monday. He has some kind of high tech breast mapping machine. I don't remember what it's called though. One of the unfortunate parts of the black mold poisoning is that it's causing very high levels of Aspergillus. It's famous for causing cancer, so my doctor is watching.

I'm aware that noone can tell me if I have cancer by what I'm saying. I'm seeing a little information about prominent veins being a symptom of a certain kind of breast cancer. However, there's almost no information dealing with it and implants, so it's hard to find information. My doctor told me that he had no experience with implants and cancer. Since I moved, I can't see my implant doctor. I'm honestly not even sure what kind of doctor to see.

My question is...has anyone heard of veins popping up like that with cancer?

djmammo

Mswanson502

Have you had central lines placed on the right either subclavian or jugular?

Mswanson502

Djmammo,

No, I've never had anything done at all to my chest or neck other than the implants. I did realize this morning that veins are now popping up on the left breast also. It's just troubling that it's happening overnight.

I've had a LOT of surgerical procedures in life, die to my health, but nothing that I would think would affect only the veins in my breast and chest area. I don't even have a single spider or varicose vein.

djmammo

Mswanson502

In general prominent veins used to be listed as a "secondary sign of malignancy" as opposed to a primary sign like a mass or abnormal calcifications. I don't believe that is taught anymore. Either way it is not an early sign, it does not precede a breast mass.

Most of the cases I have seen with enlarged veins in the breast are cases where there has been one of more central lines placed in the subclavian or internal jugular veins which over time which can result in either clot or fibrosis/scarring that narrows the veins causing a back up/increased pressure in the venous outflow of the breast and portions of the chest wall/skin.

Also if you have pulmonary disease from the mold this may affect regional venous pressures. The veins may also just appear more prominent now that the breasts have lost some fat. Hard to tell from afar. A mammogram would help.

I would mention it to your other doc(s) too in light of your other medical problems to which this new finding may be related.

mistyeyes

Get an appointment and get checked, don't put it off.

Mswanson502

Yeah, the mold poisoning skews everything, including cancer. They can't tell by bloodwork if I could have cancer now. Hopefully Monday he'll at least be able to order the correct tests. I do remember him telling me that I was at high risk for blood clots. I imagine a blood clot could cause a prominent vein. Who knows. Thank you for your help.

djmammo

Mswanson502

Yes, I would wonder about a clot causing some outflow restriction. There is a blood test that can tell you if there is active clot somewhere in the body. If your docs do suspect a clot, they might draw that first before committing to an extensive imaging work-up for clot.

Mswanson502

Great! Thank you!