lump developed after incisional biopsy

[lns2119]

Had a wire guided incisional biopsy on 3/6/08.  A lump developed during healing.  Thought it was normal scarring.  Had a followup mammogram on 8/6/08.  It did not show the lump.  Went to the breast surgeon in September for a 6 month followup.  She was concerned with the lump and aspirated it.  The sample was negative.  I asked for an ultrasound.  Although she said it may not show anything, she prescribed the test.  It did not show the lump.  I was told by the radiologist that if it was fat nicosis, somehow it would show up on the ultrasound.  As mentioned before, it did not show up.  Do I walk away and forget about this lump and retest in 6 months?  Honestly, I am uncomfortable with that as I have no idea what the lump is.  Any suggestions?

[metalgirl70]

I asked my plastic surgeon if it would be more difficult to detect breast cancer if  you have implants and he said that the studies done suggest that is not more difficult to detect it.   I think there is some debate in that matter, but there seems to be no significance in the time it took to diagnose breast cancer with implant wearers vs. no people with no implants.

That plastic surgeon also belives that if  the implants are done under the muscle, the implant actually pushes your natural breast tissue forward, and therefore makes lumps in the natural tissue easier to feel.

Let's hope he's right!

[nannotnancy]

I have a question for you regarding the implants--is it actually more difficult to detect b.c. once you have implants?  I didn't realize this.  I'm not planning on implants for now, but who knows what the future may bring.  My left breast is steadily shrinking from surgeries!

Sorry they won't pay for the MRI--more of us should complain/campaign to get that changed.  My insurance won't cover the genetic test, plus a few other things, and it's so frustrating!

Best wishes to you.

[metalgirl70]

I have a situation that is similar to you.  In the last year I have had two separate lumps that don't show up on mammogram or ultrasound.  I have been to three separate sugeons for  second and third opinions, since I'm the paranoid type.

These doctors all feel that they don't  warrent a biospy at this time.  I have breast implants and apparently you can't do a needle biopsy with implants, at least none of these doctors were wanting to do that and they don't really want to do any surgery either.  

These doctors believe that my lumps may be scar tissue from the implants, which I have had for 10 years.  I still worry about it though, because these lumps are perfectly round pea size structures, but yet they don't even show up on any imaging!

My insurance won't pay for an MRI, I tried to get them to approve it but they denied me.

So, the doctor that I see now is having me come in every 3 months for an exam and ultrasound .  I wish they would just take these lumps out, but no one will do it for me to give me peace of mind.  So I worry about it too, but I don't think I have any other options.

Good luck to you!

[nannotnancy]

Don't know if this applies to you, but I've had 4 biopsies so far, and one still feels very much like a hard lump.  It was MRI guided and close to the skin, and actually bled/oozed for 3 weeks, and finally got infected.  It's OK now, but I'm wondering if scar tissue is causing the hard lump.  I've been told that the clip is probably not the problem as it's very small.

I like the MRI idea stated by japdip--MRI's show things that Mammos. don't.

In the end, if you aren't comfortable with it, seek other medical advice.  Six months is way too long to worry!

[japdip]

You state the lump was aspirated ... and was negative; was fluid obtained on aspiration ?? If nothing is showing up on any of the tests then I would continue with a 6 month follow-up as recommended and be comfortable with that. I suppose you could request a Breast MRI with contrast but I'm not sure that would show anything either and I'm not sure your Dr.s would agree to order one. You could ask though ....    Good Luck