Lump found under skin of B9 breast

Options
LillyDuff
LillyDuff Member Posts: 73

Just four months ago, I rang the bell signaling the completion of treatments. Now, discovered a hard pea sized "thing" just above

the inferior scar of the breast that was removed prophylactically (right breast.) My BC was all in the left breast. I went through chemo, targeted therapy, BMX, Rads., prophylactic oophorectomy this summer to help my odds. Also, on Tamoxifen soon to switch to an AI.

What are the odds of a recurrence or maybe it would be a new primary on the unaffected breast skin (what's left of it) right breast at this point.

The pathology report for this right breast stated "several foci or radial scar formation with associated sclerosing adenosis. Negative for malignancy." So, the breast was suspicious but I wanted peace of mind so decided on the BMX. The report also noted that I had a pCR following adjuvant chemotherapy. I'm confused if this lump ends of being cancer.

Now what? I have an appointment in a few days with the BS assistant who will probably order an US. But I'm thinking the way it feels seems to be exactly like the tumor that was on the left side where my cancer lurked. What are the odds of the right breast skin developing into cancer at this point? I am stunned. All that's left is the skin, nipple, and an implant and technically, that side was B9 at the time of the BMX.

Comments

  • Legomaster225
    Legomaster225 Member Posts: 672
    edited September 2018

    Lillyduff, I’m sorry you have to deal with this stress again. I’m sure they will get you an answer quickly. Hopefully, it is just fat necrosis or some other benign issue. You did chemo and BMX pretty recently so that is in your favor. Praying for an quick easy answer.
  • TizzyLish
    TizzyLish Member Posts: 41
    edited September 2018

    LillyDuff, your diagnosis and treatment were very similar to mine and I had a lump in the prophylactic side too. I was very, very scared. Thankfully, it turned out to be a cyst. Here’s the thread about it where I got some great advice about my worries. Good luck to you!

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/105/topics/853599?page=1#post_4939146


  • LillyDuff
    LillyDuff Member Posts: 73
    edited September 2018

    TizzyLish: Thank you for posting a response. I went back and read your thread and hope that this lump of mine turns out to be harmless. I'll post when more information is available. I have my appointment with the BS assistant tomorrow morning! Will keep myself busy today to pass the time!

  • LillyDuff
    LillyDuff Member Posts: 73
    edited September 2018

    Legomaster2: Thank you for posting! Tomorrow is my appointment with the BS assistant so at least it is a start to get to the bottom of this.

  • LillyDuff
    LillyDuff Member Posts: 73
    edited September 2018

    Update: According to the BS during today's visit, the small hard pea sized lump may be a granuloma. The PA examined the lump and pulled the BS into the room between patients to have a look. The BS said that was where she placed a stitch during surgery and most likely a granuloma formed around the stitch. Because I am ten months out from my surgery, the swelling has subsided and sometimes granulomas form and seem to stick out from under the skin creating a lump. She said it takes as long as a year or more to heal from surgery. An ultrasound has been ordered to double check, though. She did warn me that the Radiologists like to recommend another scan in six months to reevaluate as well.

    I have a follow up appointment with the Plastic Surgeon in a few days and will also discuss to see if she can remove it during revision surgery if the lump is benign.

    Update: I had a follow up with the plastic surgeon yesterday, and she seems to think the lump is actually an area where she folded over the mesh and has shifted during these past months. Now that the swelling has resolved, bumps and lumps may be more noticable. This was the reason given. Also, that the mesh product sometimes stretches a bit and settles in the lower margins. The BS seemed to think the lump was a granuloma. I'm still going to get the ultrasound but at least there is more of a reason for the sudden lump. Also,the plastic surgeon did say she could correct the problem.

  • LillyDuff
    LillyDuff Member Posts: 73
    edited September 2018

    Ultrasound confirmed "possible granuloma or fat necrosis." Nothing was mentioned about possible mesh displacement, even though the Radiologist came in and discussed with me. I mentioned to him what the BS and the PS both thought. BS thought granuloma around the stitch. PS thought displaced mesh that was used for the implant. Six month follow up ultrasound recommended to evaluate stability. "Bi-Rads category 3, probably benign." I'm scheduled for revision surgery in November anyway and the PS plans to remove the lump so it will be sent to pathology if it's not the mesh or for sure a granuloma or fat necrosis. Glad I got it checked out either way!

  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited September 2018

    Sounds like good news! Glad you got it checked!

  • LillyDuff
    LillyDuff Member Posts: 73
    edited September 2018

    KBeee:

    Thank you. Yes, very glad it was taken seriously just in case. The lump is pea sized and hard and still scares me a little even though I know it's most likely not a problem. Yuck. I'll remind the PS to please do something to remove it during my upcoming revision surgery.

Categories