Removal of lump

[Yorkrose]

Hi,
I posted earlier on another thread re this but would like some help.
I have a large lump 4.5cm which from the core biopsy is benign but have been recommended removal. My op is on 14th Sept. I was given my results by phone last week, Fibro ? lesion but expected written confirmation.
I just rang breast care nurse with some worries but don't feel happy about the response. I asked if I should get a letter of confirmation but she said no, only my GP would get that. Also asked about how the op would affect how I look as I'm quite small breasted & how big the incision would be, what about scarring? She couldn't tell me much. Yes there would be scarring & they try to make it as discreet as possible. The consultant would discuss this with me on the morning of the op.
I asked for the op to be sooner rather than later because of a holiday I'm taking.....but expected more discussion than this. I'm now very worried and feel I'm being steam rollered into something I know nothing about. 4.5cm is going to need a big cut isn't it & what are the consequences?

[boninclyde]

It is so hard keeping up on this site. My husband thinks I am crazy because I sit here with a paper and pencil writing everyones biopsies and surgies down. And still can't keep up.

[Montana girl 06]

Silly me, I read the date wrong. Your surgery should be over by now. How are you?

[Montana girl 06]

I'm so glad you finally got your questions answered. My breast scars are all 1 1/2 inches or smaller, but I'm amazed at how they disappeared over time! I've heard others say the same thing. However there are occasional people who have trouble with scarring. It seems very common that our friends don't understand our situation and that's one reason this breast forum is so important. When is your surgery?

[Yorkrose]

Thanks all for your help.
Had the pre med yesterday & after the tests etc at the normal outpatients, I fired a load of Q's at the nurse. She looked horrified that the breast care clinic had not given me any information...got straight on the phone to them & sent me round. After speaking to the nurse there, she went & got the consultant. I now feel happier but obviously still very worried. The tumour is about the size of an egg, he said it is  a Fibro Epitheral? Lesion & could be a benign Pylloides tumour, but won't know until it is out, but is still convinced it is benign. He said my normal tissue should sort of fill the void after a couple of months & that my nipple may not be supported to start with. A scar which he said could fade in time. I'm still very upset about this & not convinced but it does need to be out. The nurse expects me to be back at work after 3 days!!! I'm not so sure. The stress alone is draining. The stitches will dissolve & I won't be expected to go back. Any probs & I have to see my GP. He did explain all about the type of tissue (epitheral) etc & I quite understand all that. I hope this helps others & I will keep you posted.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Yorkrose,  An open excisional biopsy is the surgical removal of the entire mass or lump. The tissue is then studied under a microscope. If a rim of normal breast tissue is taken all the way around a lump (lumpectomy), the biopsy can also serve as part of breast cancer treatment (if breast cancer is found).  The location and size of the incision would need to be discussed with you by your surgeon.
In general, care after the surgical biopsy procedure may involve wearing a special bra and dressings over the biopsy site.  You will be able to remove these two days after the biopsy.  Small tapes or possibly stitches will remain over the incision site, these will be removed at a follow-up appointment.  You may be asked to apply medications or ice to the biopsy area or change bandages at home.  Advise about showering, bathing and wound care, will be given to you by your surgeon.  The area of the biopsy may be bruised right after the procedure and will go away in a few days.

[pippy11]

I am small also and had a fibroadenoma removed about 2 years
ago. THe incision is small, on the side of my right breast,
almost near arpit so it is not noticable.

[Yorkrose]

Thanks,
Just got a letter to say I got pre op assessment tomorrow. I intend to ask questions although not sure if consultant will be there, but will ask to see him. The attitude of friends etc is that I should be glad it is not cancer & just get the lump removed & that they wouldn't want to know any of the details. I know what they're saying, I know I am one of the lucky ones, compared to a lot of you out there but I wonder how they'd feel if it was happening to them. I may be 50 in a few weeks & may not have the body of a 20 year old but I'm not over the hill yet.

[japdip]

Hey, I don't agree with those friends of yours at all. Just because it isn't cancer why should you be grateful to think that you might lose a chunk out of a small breast ????? Of course I'm sure you are relieved that cancer is not involved but you still have legitimate concerns ...... wonder how they would feel if it were their breast ?? Hmmmm. Hope your pre-op consultation answers your questions ..... if not, ask someone else. You are in charge and don't forget it, OK ?????      Good Luck .......

[japdip]

If you are concerned about the cosmetic results of the surgery I would not hesitate to ask for a consultation with a Plastic Surgeon before you jump into anything you aren't comfortable with.