Excisional biopsy and pain

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ericaleigh
ericaleigh Member Posts: 8
edited October 2014 in Benign Breast Conditions

I had surgery under general anesthesia for an excional biopsy of a .8 cm lump in left breast. It was a fibroadenoma. It has been about four weeks since surgery and I have developed pain in rib cage below that breast. It hurts to touch it. Seems on top of rib cage under skin. I have no pain or redness of breast and no signs of infection. When I stretch my arm up I see a line that goes from incision down to the bottom of Brest. Looks sorta like a small vein but never noticed it before...no color just beneath the surface. Like a small rope.

The pain started about a week ago and wasn't bothering me at my 2 wk follow up so I didn't mention it. Could this be related to the surgery? It's gradually gotten worse and hurts to stretch or lay on it but no other signs. Gestating to worry a bit so I would appreciate any information I can get. Thanks so much!

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  • momoschki
    momoschki Member Posts: 682
    edited October 2014

    This sounds to me like what is known as "cording", which is sometimes a byproduct of breast surgery.  I would contact your breast surgeon, who may refer you to physical therapy.  

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  • ericaleigh
    ericaleigh Member Posts: 8
    edited October 2014

    Thank you! Never heard of it but after looking it up you may be right. I will call Monday morning if there is no change. Seems the pain keeps getting further down that side and is tender right below the rib cage now. I couldn't find anything that sounded like it on google until I used the word cording. You have been very helpful. 

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  • momoschki
    momoschki Member Posts: 682
    edited October 2014

    Happy to help!  Sadly, I know much more about these things than I used to....

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  • linzer
    linzer Member Posts: 164
    edited October 2014

    Cording typically only happens with lymph node removal, but what you describe sounds like it. I believe it's called truncal cording or something like that based on location. Good luck!

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  • ericaleigh
    ericaleigh Member Posts: 8
    edited October 2014

    I saw a lot online about it occurring down the arm after lymph node removal. I also saw a lot on breast augmentation surgeries. I can't believe after such a simple removal that I have developed it. After looking at pictures and symptoms I am pretty confident that is the problem. Pics of it are identical. It is painful though especially in ribs so I think I will let Dr. Take a look at it anyway. Pain keeps getting further down that side. Hurts to stretch or touch it. I will look up truncalcording. Thanks!

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  • linzer
    linzer Member Posts: 164
    edited October 2014

    Best thing you can do is start trying to stretch it even though that seems counerintuitive. Work up to the pain, but not through it to agony.  I have cording under my arm and daily exercise has helped. I also go to a lymphedema certified PT and she does myofascial release massage on it. Get seen soon. Then you have a greater chance of getting past it. 

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