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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Calcified hematoma
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.
Calcified hematoma
by angelcat, Mar 01, 2005 12:00AM
I had a bike accident a month ago and landed directly on my left breast. It hurt like heck for a few days, and turned black. But I had no pain for awhile (unless my cat walked on me, or someone hugged me too tight). The bruising is just about gone, but my breast started aching last week and I have a hard area. So, I went to my GP. She thought it may be a cyst, so had an ultrasound. The ultrasound guy didn't see any cysts, so thought the weird spot on the ultrasound (where I hurt and the hardness is) is either the start of an infection or the hematoma is calcifying. He said to give it a week or so, and then probably a mammogram would be a good idea (I've never had one, I'm 36).
From what I have read, there's not a lot you can do about a calcified hematoma. Does this mean I have to live with an aching breast?
Also, I like to run (a lot), but haven't since the accident. Could running cause any further damage (I'm kind of big-breasted, 36D), like rupture this thing?
Just wondering . . .
From what I have read, there's not a lot you can do about a calcified hematoma. Does this mean I have to live with an aching breast?
Also, I like to run (a lot), but haven't since the accident. Could running cause any further damage (I'm kind of big-breasted, 36D), like rupture this thing?
Just wondering . . .
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Mar 09, 2005 12:00AM
Dear angelcat: Hematomas can take up to three months to resolve. However, if there is a lump, it is important to be certain that this is what it appears to be. It may be worthwhile to obtain an opinion from a breast specialist to make a determination of the cause of the lump and a plan for any intervention if indicated.
Member Comments (2)
by surgeon, Mar 02, 2005 12:00AM
It takes months, if not more, for a hematoma to calcify. Likewise it can take months for a hematoma to fully resolve. Sometimes drainage is useful. Mammogram will be of little use: injury can often look like cancer. And ultrasound, as you found out, often tells only what you already knew, when it's used to evaluate a palpable lump. When there's a lump -- even if it seems due to injury -- it needs a plan. Since your GP seems unsure, it wouldn't hurt to get an opinion from a surgeon; both for a second opinion, and for input as to what if anything further ought to be done.
