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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Chest Wall Changes after Mastectomies
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.
Chest Wall Changes after Mastectomies
by Jujubee, Aug 05, 2003 12:00AM
Two years ago I was diagnosed with DCIS and underwent simple bilateral mastectomies because of other medical conditions. At a recent follow up appointment there was a change on my chest wall; a swelling that caused extreme pain when pressed. The doctor said that it was inflammation of the cartilege on my chest wall and he'd see me in six months. Is inflammation of the cartilege common, or am I right to question that explanation and get a second opinion? What are some other explanations?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Aug 05, 2003 12:00AM
Dear Jujubee: Without the ability to examine you, it is impossible to guess at whether this is "inflammed cartilage" or some other problem. Given that your original diagnosis was DCIS, it would be unlikely to be a recurrence. However, if you are concerned, get a second opinion, if for no other reason than your peace of mind.
Member Comments (2)
by surgeon, Aug 05, 2003 12:00AM
inflammation of the rib cartilage (costochondritis) can occur in anyone. Of course, with a prior history of DCIS, one would want to be sure it doesn't represent recurrance. If it was your surgeon who gave you the opinion, I'd be more confident of it than if it was your primary care doc. Nothing against primary care; but surgeons are more used to evaluating lumps in surgical areas.
