Radioactive Injection & Pain/Bruising of Nipple Area

Kimarene
Kimarene Member Posts: 18
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

I had a lumpectomy 6 weeks ago.  Four weeks after surgery a bruise appeared in the area of my nipple where radioactive injections were given for a sentinel node biopsy.   Since that time, the bruised area has gotten progressively bigger, with blotchy red areas appearing.  I have seen two surgeons and a dermatologist, but no one has an answer as to exactly what caused this.  It's not an infection, it's not hot to touch, I have no fever.

Has anyone else experienced something like this?  I'm wondering why, if it is due to the radioactive injections, it would take four weeks to appear?

Thank you.

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Comments

  • ferretmom
    ferretmom Member Posts: 103
    edited October 2007

    Could it be a hematoma Kimarene?

    I have a hematoma from a Sept 5th re-excision lumpectomy. Dr drained it twice, just comes back.

    Does the bruised area feel hard?

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  • Kimarene
    Kimarene Member Posts: 18
    edited October 2007

    Thanks for your reply, ferretmom.  The bruised area is not hard, except when my nipple gets hard, it is harder and lumpier than my other nipple when it gets hard, if that makes sense.

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  • Kimarene
    Kimarene Member Posts: 18
    edited October 2007

    Well, turns out it wasn't a bruise at all - it's a staph infection!  I saw a total of five doctors, none of whom ever mentioned it might be an infection - plus I have no fever or other signs of mastitis.  It took a lactation consultant to figure it out!

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  • renee1008
    renee1008 Member Posts: 94
    edited July 2009

    I had lumpectomy last Nov.  I was told at my 2 week post op that I had an alergic reaction to the radioactive injection to locate sentinel node.  My breast stayed red, blue, swollen for months.  And the area was hard, about 4x5 inches.  It's been 8 months, and has gotten much better and smaller.  It's about an inch in size and still sore.  The color is better.  Has anyone experience this, and how long did it take to completely clear up?

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  • SlekaLes
    SlekaLes Member Posts: 1
    edited November 2009

    I'm so glad to have seen this post. Since my lumpectomy 6 weeks ago I have had a very swollen breast with hematoma and seroma. One week after my surgery my nipple flattened out due to areolar swelling and became bruised and so sore. It continues to be flat, bruised and sore. Yesterday I started my rads. (34 days) and asked the techs to check it before they started as on SUnday morning I had awakened with a red rash over my areolar area and my usual swelling had increased. I told them I have to wear a band-aid over my nipple but they said not to during rad. as adhesive is not OK. I've shown both rad oncs in the practice. They don't think it's a problem. It is for me! I'm trying to get in to see my br. surgeon, but she is alone in her practice and very busy. I've only seen her once since surgery, 5 weeks ago and am not supposed to go back until after the radiation with a new baseline mammogram. I feel so unsupported by the medical personnel. I wonder why there is such a lack of consistent care in breast cancer.I have never felt more alone than over the past 2 months.

    Maybe this is an infection. My white count is normal and I have no fever, either. My breast is hot. I'll try a lactation specialist. 

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