Getting worried about a lump.

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Dani444
Dani444 Member Posts: 522
edited August 2019 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

hello everyone! I have a lump in my reconstructed breast, noticed it a few weeks ago. I have my 6 month check on the first with my BS so I didn’t think I needed to get in sooner. Hope that was the right choice! Could this be a suture I am feeling? It is at the 1 o’clock Position, same spot as my original tumor. I have pre pec implant with Alloderm. Will they be able to tell by US if it’s is a suture or maybe fat necrosis? I worry about having to get a biopsy so soon after rads, And it feels like maybe it is “attached” to the implant. Has anyone had anything similar that was ruled out with just imaging? Thanks in advance:)

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  • Wised
    Wised Member Posts: 351
    edited April 2019

    Hi Dani, *waves*

    I I didn't have a mastectomy nor reconstruction, but I do have a hard bump above my scar. My doctor said 3D mammography should be able to identify it. An ultrasound would definitely identify something has scar tissue or the leftover of a seroma.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited April 2019

    Definitely request imaging; even if they feel it and say they'r e"sure" it's just a suture, etc. Best to see it. They felt sure mine was scar tissue, but were wrong. Best to be safe.

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  • Dani444
    Dani444 Member Posts: 522
    edited April 2019

    Hello Wised 😁. Thanks for the response! Have you had your imaging done yet for the bump? I am hoping it is something they can figure out with just imaging.

    KBee- I will definitely insist on imaging, thank you for responding. Did you have to push for the biopsy or did imaging show it was needed? I am anxious about a potential biopsy due to healing. I know I should cross that bridge if I come to it but I am really good at worrying

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  • Wised
    Wised Member Posts: 351
    edited April 2019

    I will have my first imaging this summer. Hopefully the lump will go down by then it is incredibly painful. My oncologist and some radiologist have told me that mammograms and ultrasounds can detect scar tissue and hardened seromas.

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  • Dani444
    Dani444 Member Posts: 522
    edited April 2019

    Thanks wised! That’s encouraging!!

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited April 2019

    They sent me to my PS because they assumed it was related to reconstruction. He told me he was 99% sure it was scar tissue. Unfortunately, my very strong gut told me it was cancer, so I told him I needed to be 100% sure and follow my gut so I could sleep at night. He said he absolutely had no problem with that, and scheduled the biopsy for 2 days later.

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  • Dani444
    Dani444 Member Posts: 522
    edited April 2019

    Thank goodness you listened to your gut! I saw my RO yesterday for a 3 month follow up. I thought it was for a skin check, but he did a breast exam too. He could feel, and see the lump. He deferred investigation to the BS since I will be seeing her next week, he did say that US will be the imaging they will probably choose.

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  • Dani444
    Dani444 Member Posts: 522
    edited May 2019

    I had the US in the office of my BS, she said we could wait 12 weeks and rescan or I could get an US at the breast center. I opted to get the other US. I had the test today. The radiologist came in and scanned me after the tech did. She said it was very small at 2mm, and it was under my skin. She said she could not do a needle biopsy. Her suggestion is to scan again in August when I come back for my yearly mammo. If there are any changes my BS will have to do the biopsy. She didn’t really give an indication of what it was beyond possible surgical scarring and/or changes. So I will keep an eye on it and be alert if it starts to get any bigger. Thanks!

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited May 2019

    Glad it is small. Hoping it does not change, and turns out to be scarring.

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  • Legomaster225
    Legomaster225 Member Posts: 672
    edited May 2019

    Hi there! I am in the same boat! I discovered a small lump under my nipple, told the PA at my annual BS appointment and she scheduled an ultrasound. They found a 3mm hypoechoic area that is "uncertain if it is cystic or solid." Impression says suspicious abnormality and to see my BS to determine the need for a core biopsy, they also noted it would be difficult given the minimal amount of tissue overlying the implant but that it could be attempted if necessary. I had a skin/nipple sparing BMX with pre-pec implants. My appt is next week with my surgeon but I am not going to be comfortable if he tells me to watch and wait. I am not that attached to my nipple at this point. Just take it out. I am about 18 months out from radiation but still worry about healing and even stretching that skin if it comes to it. I know he will ultrasound again in his office but I am going to ask about another MRI if possible. I am not sure if that will show anything further. Hang in there!

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited May 2019

    MRIs are good, but do understand that no imaging is foolproof. MRI completely missed one of my recurrent tumors. Unfortunately, biopsy is the only definitive way if it is suspicious. Hoping you get answers, and hoping benign is the result.Sorry you're dealing with this.

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  • Dani444
    Dani444 Member Posts: 522
    edited May 2019

    Legomaster- I am sorry too that you are dealing with this. Our findings sound very similar! I had a skin sparring but could not keep my nipple. I was told that my area was too small for an MRI but hopefully they will get you one if you ask! My report stated "Tiny 2 mm hypoechoic focus between the skin and the implant at the area of palpable concern identified by the patient. Given the location of this finding between the skin and the implant without any visible breast tissue between the two, ultrasound-guided biopsy is not possible." So I guess that is why she is deferring to the surgeon. It was nice to read "There is no visible residual subcutaneous tissue in this region that is visualized sonographically. I hope they can get you the answers as to what is going on and I hope it is a benign finding! let us know.

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  • Legomaster225
    Legomaster225 Member Posts: 672
    edited May 2019

    Thanks ladies. I agree that imaging is not foolproof unfortunately. The cancer in my “clean” breast is proof of that. I kind of want an MRI just as another tool to help manage the fact that I had no lymph node biopsy on my surprise side as well as possibly looking at my new finding. Definitely wanting a biopsy at the least for the new finding. It’s smaller though so perhaps a surgical biopsy could remove the whole thing??. Keep us updated Dani444. I’ll let you know what my BS says next week.

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  • Legomaster225
    Legomaster225 Member Posts: 672
    edited May 2019

    Well, I went to the BS today.  He did his own ultrasound as well and the said the mass is solid not a fluid filled cyst.  He believes it is most likely fat necrosis or scar tissue and is not overly concerned. It is tiny.  He gave me the option of waiting 6 months to see if it changed or to get a core needle biopsy done.  He was fine with either one but gave me the option of the biopsy just so I could know for sure and I could sleep at night.  They have not called to schedule yet but I think I am leaning towards the biopsy.  I would just rather want to know rather than think about it all the time.  My only concern (his too) is that I have prepec implants so there is little room for error when taking the biopsy before you hit the implant.  I certainly do not want to risk damage to the implant, have silicone leaking or to have to go through a replacement at this point.  Anybody else have a similar situation? 

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  • Dani444
    Dani444 Member Posts: 522
    edited May 2019

    Legomaster, I am glad they offered you the biopsy for peace of mind. Have you decided if you are going to have it? I understand being hesitant due to where it is at! Mine is right on top of my implant as well, would your surgeon be willing to do an excisional biopsy rather than a needle biopsy?

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited May 2019

    I had an excisional biopsy because of my implant (though mine are under pec)

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  • Legomaster225
    Legomaster225 Member Posts: 672
    edited May 2019

    I just had my biopsy today.  It went pretty well considering the limited amount of tissue he had to work with.  He went in parallel to the implant (the mass is on the bottom side of my nipple).  He talked about injecting some fluid under the lump to possibly raise it to make it easier to biopsy. I am not sure if he did that or not.  I did get to watch the whole thing on the ultrasound though and that was pretty interesting. 

    Dani, my BS wanted to try the core biopsy route first, then a surgical biopsy if they determined the core biopsy was too risky.  I think he may have wanted me to wait a few months if we couldn't get the core biopsy though.  At least that was the impression I got in his office.  I was fortunate that it worked now just praying for fat necrosis or scar tissue.  

    Kbee, were your recurrances along the scar line?  I was just reading over your stats.  Quite a story!  I'm glad your lymph nodes were clear.  Enough with this cancer stuff huh? 

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  • Dani444
    Dani444 Member Posts: 522
    edited May 2019

    So glad you were able to get the biopsy and that the procedure went well! I will be sending good thoughts and prayers for fat necrosis or scar tissue!!!

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited May 2019

    Praying you get good results! My recurrence was not right where my scar was, but was where my original tumor was. I had a second recurrence in the soft tissue, not near any breast tissue. It's where they entered for my first biopsy, so it is likely from seeding, though there's no way to know for sure. I hope you get results quickly!!!!


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  • Dani444
    Dani444 Member Posts: 522
    edited August 2019

    So I went for my first yearly mammo for my remaining breast and follow up US of the lump in my foob. I saw my BS immediately after. The lump shows no significant change, and the radiologist said it does not look suspicious to him. They did find some calcifications in my left breast. The radiologist said the ones that are deep in the breast appear to have changed since my last mammo, however I do not see mention of them on my mammo from last year. He is recommending a biopsy. My BS has scheduled a breast MRI and wants to do a surgical biopsy of the right lump if anything lights up. I saw the NP at my last visit so this is the first I have talked to the BS about it, as she has been on maternity leave. She is concerned because it is right where my tumor was. I really hate the anxiety that comes along with this. I have struggled with anxiety since after radiation and I find it really frustrating. My MRI is scheduled for the 15th and sterotactic biopsy on the 20th.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited August 2019

    I am sorry you are dealing with this roller coaster of scans. Praying all comes back benign.

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  • PurpleCat
    PurpleCat Member Posts: 358
    edited August 2019

    Dani, what an ordeal! I'll be thinking of you and praying all is well.

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  • Legomaster225
    Legomaster225 Member Posts: 672
    edited August 2019

    I’m sorry Dani. That is so stressful. I had a lump recently under my nipple on my larger cancer side. It ended up being scar tissue and fat necrosis, which is great, but the emotional toll is very difficult. We all just want to be able to put this nightmare in the past and move forward. I’m praying for you and hope you find answers soon.

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  • Dani444
    Dani444 Member Posts: 522
    edited August 2019

    Thank you all for your words of support and your prayers! It really means a lot to have such a great community that really understands.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2019

    Kind of dealing with the same thing. I felt something 7 weeks ago, and then couldn't find it. I went to my PS--he couldn't feel it but wanted peace of mind for both of us, so he ordered an MRI which was denied by insurance. They wanted an US first, so I have that scheduled for this afternoon. I saw PS this morning (long story, but his office wasn't getting him messages about the denial so I simply made a f2f appt to talk to him about it), he felt around and felt a tiny "scar" bump but said we should check it out. Ironically it wasn't where I felt the thing that is now gone!

    I had an MRI two years ago that showed no detectable breast tissue so at least we have something to compare to, if the US is inconclusive and I move forward with either the MRI or a biopsy of the thing he felt today.

    I am concerned about being overtreated. Radiologists are trained to look for abnormalities, and liability is high if they miss something, so everything is a danger, but can lead to unnecessary procedures and anxiety for the patient.

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  • Dani444
    Dani444 Member Posts: 522
    edited August 2019

    Claireinaz- I am so sorry you are dealing with all of this worry too. That is frustrating that you had to have the US first. I feel our doctors should be the ones to decide what imaging we need, not insurance companies. I hope they were able to give you an answer today. I really feel like the stress of this waiting is worse for me than the process of being diagnosed. Hoping for clear, and timely answers for you

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2019

    Hi Dani and all,

    Results: benign. What a great word.

    The tech did the imaging and sent them to the radiologist right away. He came in right after that and talked to me about them while I was still lying on the table, and then he had a look himself, again, using the equipment, and he explained everything he saw to me while I was looking, too. He was great, very thorough and kind.

    I am relieved and I hope everyone who is waiting for results will get the same as I did.

    Claire in AZ

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  • Dani444
    Dani444 Member Posts: 522
    edited August 2019

    Claire- So glad they got your results right away!! Truly is a great word to hear.

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  • PurpleCat
    PurpleCat Member Posts: 358
    edited August 2019

    How are you doing, Dani? Been thinking about you!

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  • Dani444
    Dani444 Member Posts: 522
    edited August 2019

    thank you! I did not get to have my MRI today, I have to go to a different hospital tomorrow. After filling out the forms they called me back to talk with me. The tech explained that since I had a silicone implant it could interfere with the quality of the scan. The scheduler was supposed to ask this in advance. I had the choice to try the scan or go tomorrow. I only have a few days left in the window of my cycle before I would have to wait until next month!! If they would have tried and failed to get good images I would have to have waited “a few days” due to the contrast. The hospital I am going to tomorrow has a scanner that can get the images. I felt bad for the tech, I just stood there and started crying. I was so anxious for the scan it just was the tipping point. Thank you so much for asking how I am doing. This waiting is really, really hard

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