Lump found under skin of B9 breast.

LillyDuff

Just four months ago, I rang the bell signaling the completion of treatments. Now, discovered a hard pea sized "thing" just above

the inferior scar of the breast that was removed prophylactically (right breast.) My BC was all in the left breast. I went through chemo, targeted therapy, BMX, Rads., prophylactic oophorectomy this summer to help my odds. Also, on Tamoxifen soon to switch to an AI.

What are the odds of a recurrence or maybe it would be a new primary on the unaffected breast skin (what's left of it) right breast at this point.

The pathology report for this right breast stated "several foci or radial scar formation with associated sclerosing adenosis. Negative for malignancy." So, the breast was suspicious but I wanted peace of mind so decided on the BMX. The report also noted that I had a pCR following adjuvant chemotherapy. I'm confused if this lump ends of being cancer.

Now what? I have an appointment in a few days with the BS assistant who will probably order an US. But I'm thinking the way it feels seems to be exactly like the tumor that was on the left side where my cancer lurked. What are the odds of the right breast skin developing into cancer at this point? I am stunned. All that's left is the skin, nipple, and an implant and technically, that side was B9 at the time of the BMX.

LillyDuff

Update: According to the BS, the small hard pea sized lump may be a granuloma. The PA examined the lump and pulled the BS into the room between patients to have a look. The BS said that was where she placed a stitch during surgery and most likely a granuloma formed around the stitch. Because I am ten months out from my surgery, the swelling has subsided and sometimes granulomas form and seem to stick out from under the skin creating a lump. She said it takes as long as a year or more to heal from surgery. An ultrasound has been ordered to double check, though. I have a follow up appointment with the Plastic Surgeon in a few days and will also discuss to see if she can remove it during revision surgery.

KBeee

I am glad they ordered the ultrasound to be extra careful. Hoping it confirms their thinking.

LillyDuff

KBeee: Thank you. Still waiting on the order but I see the other physician in the group tomorrow so will remind them of the ultrasound decision so we can move forward.

Update: I had a follow up with the plastic surgeon yesterday, and she seems to think the lump is actually an area where she folded over the mesh and has shifted during these past months. Now that the swelling has resolved, bumps and lumps may be more noticable. This was the reason given. Also, that the mesh product sometimes stretches a bit and settles in the lower margins. The BS seemed to think the lump was a granuloma. I'm still going to get the ultrasound but at least there is more of a reason for the sudden lump. Also,the plastic surgeon did say she could correct the problem.

LillyDuff

Ultrasound confirmed "possible granuloma or fat necrosis." Nothing was mentioned about possible mesh displacement, even though the Radiologist came in and discussed with me. I mentioned to him what the BS and the PS both thought. BS thought granuloma around the stitch. PS thought displaced mesh that was used for the implant. Six month follow up ultrasound recommended to evaluate stability. "Bi-Rads category 3, probably benign." I'm scheduled for revision surgery in November anyway and the PS plans to remove the lump so it will be sent to pathology if it's not the mesh or for sure a granuloma or fat necrosis. Glad I got it checked out either way!

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Update post revision surgery-November, 2018.

**Just wanted to update this thread.

I had revision surgery on the right breast (prophylactic) side this past November, 2018 which was about one year from the BMX. The plastic surgeon discovered that the "lump" was actually the alloderm mesh folded up on the corner, so she trimmed it back. Glad it was just the mesh, but also glad it was checked out just in case.

KBeee

So glad you got it checked; all sounds like good news!

LillyDuff

KBeee:

Thank you. Yes, very glad it was taken seriously just in case. The lump is pea sized and hard and still scares me a little even though I know it's most likely not a problem. Yuck. I'll remind the PS to please do something to remove it during my upcoming revision surgery.

**Just wanted to update this thread.

I had revision surgery on the right breast (prophylactic) side this past November, 2018 which was about one year from the BMX. The plastic surgeon discovered that the "lump" was actually the alloderm mesh folded up on the corner, so she trimmed it back. Glad it was just the mesh, but also glad it was checked out just in case.