Masectomy or not

I am a 52 yr old femal.I had breast cancer about about 17 yrs ago,I had a segmental resection and 5 weeks of radiation.Also was on Tamoxifen for 5yrs.I had had a few biospies on the same breast.And 2 yrs ago had surgery for the breast was abcessed.Since then I have continued discomfort,with the breast cramping,thrumbing,it burns and aches constantly.Also it has shrunk and size is swollen and high on my chest.I did have a core biospy which was benign,but showed chronic imflammation..My question is would you reccomend a masectomy on that breast. Thank you for your opinion

[Kamal S Saini, MD, MRCP (UK), DM]

Hi,
If there is no evidence (on imaging and histopathology) of cancer in the breast, there is no oncological reason for advising mastectomy.
However, you do have constant pain, discomfort and other symptoms in the conserved breast, and also have required invasive monitoring (biopsies etc).
You need to discuss with your surgeon the possibility of performing some surgery for relief of these symptoms.
Please discuss in detail before taking a decision on this.
All the best, and God Bless!