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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
post lumpectomy pain
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
post lumpectomy pain
by carolechance, Sep 20, 2002 12:00AM
How can I find out information regarding pain experienced weeks after a lumpectomy for non-invasive DCIS? I can't seem to find anyone experiencing pain, after the incision has healed. I do not have a fever or swelling. My surgeon is not concerned, neither is my gyn, except if it seems to develope into infection. I'm not so worried about that. Infection can be treated. All my pain is in the nipple area. I have read that Paget's disease is commonly secondary to DCIS. Is it likely that they will do a nipple biopsy if I wish them to?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Sep 20, 2002 12:00AM
Dear carolechance, Individuals can have differing time frames for pain and discomfort to resolve after surgical procedures. Depending on the area of the lumpectomy, position of the surgical incision could explain the pain in the nipple, such as, there may be some healing occurring causing pinching together of the tissue causing discomfort. If you've seen your surgeon and the incision etc. is healing, no signs of infection (redness, swelling, fever, discharge), no worsening of symptoms perhaps some simple comfort measures warm or cold compresses, support bra, decrease caffeine consumption may be helpful. Check back with your doctor if the pain worsens or other symptoms develop.
Paget’s disease is a very rare form of breast cancer. Symptoms usually associated with this are itching, redness, and spontaneous (not forced) nipple discharge. A biopsy is done to diagnose this problem but would not be done unless strong suspicion of this was present. Biopsy may just add to your discomfort without giving additional helpful information.
Paget’s disease is a very rare form of breast cancer. Symptoms usually associated with this are itching, redness, and spontaneous (not forced) nipple discharge. A biopsy is done to diagnose this problem but would not be done unless strong suspicion of this was present. Biopsy may just add to your discomfort without giving additional helpful information.
I have had chronic pain due to a lumpectomy 2 yrs. ago. I know that's not what you want to hear, but maybe we can help each other find a solution. Information on such pain is very limited, & the dr.'s have not taken me seriously since many women experience minor discomfort for years. However, mine is not minor. It feels like I'm always in a mammography machine with varying amounts of pressure. The more I do and the longer that I'm standing or sitting, the worse the pain gets. I also have nipple pain. I took pain meds for 1 yr. but decided to stop because of side effects and my own personal fear of pain meds. Now, I just use an ice pack or heating pad off and on all day. The 1st thing I want to know is what is causing the pain, but none of the many dr.'s I've seen have even done a single test to find out why. I'll be glad to share my experiences with you and if anyone else 'out there' has any related info to share, my e-mail address is: www.***@****
Carolechance, I hope your post-lumpectomy pain subsides SOON!
Best wishes throughout your cancer treatments...Geral
I am one year post biopsy today. I had calcifications that turned out to be DCIS on the margin of the first biopsy and then had a second two weeks later that was carcinoma-free. I still have intermittent pain - especially related to my cycle (I am pre-menopausal) The good news is that the pain is (finally) lessening in both frequency and intensity! Hang in there. Good luck!
Speechlady