DCIS and possible recurrence within mastectomy scar

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Original dx extensive DCIS, stage 0, 10/98. Had right breast mastectomy with TRAM Flap reconstruction. No chemo, radiation or tamoxifen. Age at original dx 36 yrs/ 52 yrs old now. Aggressive cancer type Comedo form, several lymph nodes removed and all were negative of cancer. Annual checkups NED / clean so far.

This past September, I woke up one day to a feeling of soreness within my mastectomy breast scar. The scar is relatively thin except for a small area that is thicker and a tad bit raised. I know it sounds odd but I could not even tell you if it was always that way or not. This past summer my original breast specialist retired and I had made an appointment to see a new breast specialist. She did a (hand type) breast exam over the summer and she said all felt good and she would see me in a year. Upon feeling the soreness in September I went back to the doctors office and the doctors oncology nurse did another breast check. She said all seemed fine with no feeling of any lumps. She then gave me a script for an ultrasound for my piece of mind and sent me on my way. I had the U/S shortly after with no findings. The radiologist even came into the exam room and scanned the breast herself..mentioning the thickness as nothing abnormal and said she does not see any recurrent disease. Here we are two months later and I am still aware and feel that sensation. Should I contact the doctor again and request an MRI and/or biopsy? Do you think a clear U/S is enough to let this go? I have read numerous posts about the recurrence of DCIS even after mastectomy and am now very worried. Any advice on my situation would be appreciated.

Comments

  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited January 2015


    HI JayF, I don't have personal experience with this, but will share on the whole I think we need to be our own advocates and if you are not comfortable and feel different pain or feelings than prior, then I'd request a Breast MRI.  As a prior BC patient you should have those occasionally anyway and I can not imagine that your doctor would be unable to get the Insurance approval.  I wish you good luck.

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited January 2015

    A prior mastectomy, so many years ago, does not preclude you from further problems completely, but the clear US should mean it is safe. However, for peace of mind, a MRI may be warranted.

    The worry never goes away completely, does it?

    All the best

    The Mods

  • JayF
    JayF Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2015

    Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. I am calling my breast specialist tomorrow morning. I will keep you posted on the out come when I eventually find out whats going on with this.

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