Hard yellow ring around nipple after lumpectomy?

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Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited August 2016 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
Hard yellow ring around nipple after lumpectomy?
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  • Beth_Angel
    Beth_Angel Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2016

    I had the surgery half a year ago, followed by 6 weeks of radiation. I remember the surgeon telling me she had placed some stitches under the nipple to prevent it from inverting. So when weeks later I felt a hard jagged ring immediately surrounding the nipple, I assumed it was dissolving stitches healing. I didn't mess with it, mostly because the numbness and pain has creeped me out. It's just an incredibly uncomfortable sensation. So I let it be. But here it is months later and this hard yellow crust is here, as well as a bit of yellow crust from the nipple itself.

    Of course, I'm wondering if this could be Paget's disease. After all, I did just have DCIS, so it's not an unreasonable possibility. But still, this has never happened before but after surgery I have this. So it may just be infection from surgery and radiation. I tried antibiotic cream without results. Then hydrocortisone and nothing. This week I'm trying the antifungal cream clotrimazole. No results yet. Still a cracked ring with a tiny amount of blood/ooze. (Sorry so graphic.)

    Anyone have experience with this? I haven't seen my breast surgeon for a follow up because we no longer have good insurance, money is tight, and I'm trying to fix this myself.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited August 2016

    Hi Beth_Angel-

    We're so sorry to hear about this complication you're experiencing. We also completely understand the insurance and finances issue; it's one many of our members have struggled with. However, if it is an infection stemming from your surgery, you would need oral or intravenous antibiotics to treat it, as OTC creams will only treat topical infections. And if you have concerns about Paget's, it's a good idea to bring them up with a doctor so it can be ruled out.

    Is it possible you would qualify for social services or some kind of public assistance? You can also look into clinics or programs in your area that offer low-cost medical services, and find out if you could be seen there (at least for the possible infection).

    We hope this helps, and you're able to get seen and on the road to recovery!

    The Mods

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited August 2016

    Hi again Beth -- we're bumping this thread in the hopes we can get you some more answers from others in the Community that can help.

    Please keep us posted on how you're doing and what you find out!

    --The Mods

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  • Beth_Angel
    Beth_Angel Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2016

    Thank you! I'm actually seeing an improvement finally. No more bleeding and most of the hard crust has cleared. It must be a fungal infection.

    It has been very hot and humid where I live, so it's difficult to stay cool and dry. I'd stay indoors and walk around topless if I didn't have two small children to chase around. :)

    If there are any further problems I will go to urgent care. Thanks again.

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