Schwannoma of the breast tissue

[stinkerbelle]

I am age 39. Three years ago while pregnant, I had a strange pink skin growth on the right breast which appeared as though it may be a basal cell skin cancer. However, after many biopsies and several different opinions I was told they believe it may have been a Schwannoma (nerve tumor). Pathologist could not agree on whether it was maligant or benign. I had surgery to remove the skin lesion as well as the margin of tissue surrounding the lesion and was told it was very rare and unlikely to return.  I just had my yearly mammogram as well as my dermatologist (skin check) and there are no suspicous areas of concern. However I have been left with a Dull, aching pain in my right breast (similar to an arthritis type pain), not extremely painful, but uncomfortable,where the lesion was removed. In the beginning I thought the pain was just a soreness from surgery, but three years later I still have it.  Is it possible to have nerve damage that may never go away in that area?  And, is that normal or should I be concerned? Also, none of my doctors have been able to tell me why I still have the pain there. When I had the initial lesion prior to surgery I had no pain at all until it was removed.  Can you tell me what type of doctor may be able to answer my questions because my Primary care doctor, Gynecologist, nor Dermatologist no why? Thank you very much.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear stinkerbell:  Anytime a surgery is performed, there are some changes to the anatomy.  The discomfort you have could be

related to some post surgical changes.  Also, benign breast pain is not uncommon.  If you remain concerned, you could seek the opinion of a breast surgeon or a medical breast specialist.  These are often affiliated with large academic medical centers.