Nipple Bloody Discharge 1 Yr after Lumpectomy

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Jo_Ann_K
Jo_Ann_K Member Posts: 277
edited March 2019 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

Before I go into panic mode, I am seeking the advice of those of you who are veterans of lumpectomies associated with DCIS.  In October 2008, I had a lumpectomy followed by radiation for Grade 1 DCIS.  The intensity of the treatment was due to a family history of breast cancer.

Last week, I noticed a round dark blood stain on my sheets, but couldn't figure out where it might have come from.  I then noticed the stain on my nightgown, and this morning, I was about to put on my bra, when I noticed the same sized stain on my bra at the spot my DCIS breast nipple was located. The blood was not fresh.  I looked at my nipple and saw one remnant of dark colored discharge on the edge of one of the openings in my nipple. It flaked off. 

Has this happened to anyone here?  My thought is to consider it a one time event.  If it happens again, I will definitely follow up with the breast doctor or should I pursue this right away? 

Confused in Maryland,

Jo Ann

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  • geebung
    geebung Member Posts: 1,851
    edited November 2009

    Hi Jo Ann, I really think you should go to your doctor. It could just be a haematoma from the lumpectomy that is breaking up, hence the appearance of old blood. However, it's so much better to be sure, especially when you have a family history of bc.

    Please let us know what happens and my very best wishes for a very benign result.

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  • Jo_Ann_K
    Jo_Ann_K Member Posts: 277
    edited November 2009

    Geebung,

    I did have another episode since I posted this, and I tried to call the breast doctor today but her office is closed until Monday.  Since the blood is dark, and it's not constant, I'm going to wait until Monday, and think it is just the hematoma you refer to, just to get through the weekend thinking sane thoughts.

    It really doesn't make sense that I'd have recurrence..DCIS, radiation and actively on Tamoxifen. Just doesn't make sense, but who knows?

    Thanks for your reply.

    Regards,

     Jo Ann

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  • Jo_Ann_K
    Jo_Ann_K Member Posts: 277
    edited November 2009

    Today, I went to the breast surgeon's office.  The discharge is now bright red and it is plentiful. She advised that there were two explanations based on what she was seeing:

    1. Papilloma - a growth that resides in the duct and can cause irritation. This is usually concurrent with dilated breast ducts. 97% chance

    2. Recurrence of the Cancer - 3% chance

    I am more than a little concerned because she said there was a definite thickening of the tissue at the spot where she was able to push to get discharge.  In addition, there was not a lot of dilation of the ductal tissue in that breast based on my mammogram of 2 months ago. 

    Then again, I was told that there was only a 2% chance of radiation reaction and I was in that 2 % so who knows? 

    So, on Wednesday afternoon, I am having an ultrasound, digital mammogram, and biopsy as needed to the affected breast. Either way, based on the bleeding, I'll need to have surgery..either to remove the duct area where the papilloma is causing the bleeding or surgery for the cancer. 

    If it is cancer, it will be a mastectomy..double.  No more fooling around..particularly since my family history for mets is so strong.  I hate this darn disease.... 

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  • Jelson
    Jelson Member Posts: 1,535
    edited November 2009

    here is hoping for you being in the 97%

    My experience was great/clear mammo in August 08 and enlarged duct seen ultrasound in October 08, so it is possible for one to show up soon after or not visible by mammo.

    good luck on Wednesday

    Julie E

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  • Jo_Ann_K
    Jo_Ann_K Member Posts: 277
    edited November 2009

    Jelson,

    Was that a cancer that showed up or a papilloma for you?

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  • Jo_Ann_K
    Jo_Ann_K Member Posts: 277
    edited December 2009

    Greetings!

    I did follow up with the breast surgeon.  After a negative ultrasound and no changes in my mammography since early October, she is opting to remove the ducts causing the bleeding.  This will resolve 2 issues..remove the source of the bleeding and provide a chance to determine the pathology behind the bleeding.  The surgery is scheduled for December 14.

    At least I'll know after that. Not knowing is far worse.

    Regards,

    Jo Ann

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  • dawnforce525
    dawnforce525 Member Posts: 1
    edited March 2019

    Hi Jo Ann ,

    I too after DCIS had a bloody discharge after a lumpectomy and radiation. I also had a warmness to my breast. I was hospitalized for 3 days with an infection in my breast. I had 13 bags of antibiotics followed by a procedure where they opened up my breast drained the infection out then inserted a drain for 10 days to measure the amount of blood draining out. I wasn't told any of this to be a possibility after my lumpectomy. I'm still having fluid draining out of my nipple.

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