Scar tissue or possibly fat necrosis?

Beesly

Hi all, I'm a first timer here. For background, I started getting ultrasounds in my early 20's to watch a lump for changes/growth which eventually went away with no more concerns after a year and a half or so. Fast forward to 2017 I had a lumpectomy on my left breast to remove a lump that was a fibroadenoma which was quite bothersome. Pathology did not show anything abnormal.

A year and a half ago another lump that was just guessed to be a cyst popped up but eventually went away on it's own.

Fast forward again to a few weeks ago, I started experiencing constant pain in my left breast as well as my nipple. While examining myself I realized that an area at the bottom and left of my breast is harder and thicker than usual (in the inside as opposed to the skin) as well as a similar spot under the nipple. I also found a strange possible lump in my armpit that is painless. My doctor got me in pretty quick and has set me up with an ultrasound and possible mammogram at the hospital for Weds morning. She said she felt everything I had explained to her which made me feel a little less crazy because I can get pretty paranoid sometimes.

I am very aware (especially at my age of 34) that even with the small family history of bc that this is most likely something benign. What I was wondering is could this be something like scar tissue from 2017 or fat necrosis? Has anyone ever had a similar diagnosis that includes pain? I know I'll find out soon enough but I guess it just helps to think about all of the benign things that it could be rather than the worst things if that makes sense.

Thanks to anyone who gets through this novel! I feel better just typing it out really....

MountainMia

Hi. So sorry you are here, with these worries.

Yes, your thickened areas and pain may well be scar tissue. I had a lumpectomy last year and the area under my scar is both oddly textured and very tender to the touch. Laster in the year I had a reduction on the healthy breast. Similar issues with the scars on that side.

I'm glad you're getting it checked. The probability is that it's completely normal given your prior history. Feel free to keep commenting on this post as you find out more and work out your anxiety. Let us know, too, when you get more information.

Good luck.

Beesly

Thanks Mia for the insight with your own issues. I'm definitely quite anxious but that's just how I get. I like to have all the information and possibilities in my head, not ignoring the better possibilities, ALL the info haha. Trying to keep in check though.

Knowing that it's most likely something benign, I wonder where the heck this pain is coming from and if I can somehow get rid of it....I haven't been giving/getting all the bear hugs from my kids