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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Scar tissue/mammogram
Answered by
Cleveland Clinic - breast cancer
Cleveland - OH
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.
Scar tissue/mammogram
by Yorkrose, Sep 27, 2007 10:52AM
Hi,
I had an op to remove a borderline Phyllodes tumour exactly a year ago & was told I would have a mammogram every 18 months & a physical exam every 6 months. I had the latter back in June & was given the all clear. Whilst I was due a mammogram after next Xmas I have now been called to attend for one in Oct because of routine screening as I am now 50. I've been told it is OK to attend earlier than planned but my concerns are as follows:-
I had the tumour removed but chose not to have a 2nd op to remove a rim of good tissue/margin as I had read that a 2cm margin was preferable, but my consultant said it would only be a slither. I felt he was just doing this to satisfy his own piece of mind & I didn't see the point as he couldn't say that it would stop it from recurring. So I decided I couldn't go through the process of a 2nd op & prefer to take the risk. I have since changed my consultant. The tumour (4cm) was of a "pushing" type & came out easily. I only have a slight scar but will the radiographer be able to tell the difference between scar tissue & anything more sinister? The consultant I have now says I have a little bit of scar tissue.
I may have to wait 4 weeks for my results after the mammogram but I am already worried sick that it will be interpreted wrongly. Of course I know that prevention is better than cure but I was told that if anything "not right" showed up at any time, the next step was a biopsy again. I don't want to go through anything unnecessarily.
I had an op to remove a borderline Phyllodes tumour exactly a year ago & was told I would have a mammogram every 18 months & a physical exam every 6 months. I had the latter back in June & was given the all clear. Whilst I was due a mammogram after next Xmas I have now been called to attend for one in Oct because of routine screening as I am now 50. I've been told it is OK to attend earlier than planned but my concerns are as follows:-
I had the tumour removed but chose not to have a 2nd op to remove a rim of good tissue/margin as I had read that a 2cm margin was preferable, but my consultant said it would only be a slither. I felt he was just doing this to satisfy his own piece of mind & I didn't see the point as he couldn't say that it would stop it from recurring. So I decided I couldn't go through the process of a 2nd op & prefer to take the risk. I have since changed my consultant. The tumour (4cm) was of a "pushing" type & came out easily. I only have a slight scar but will the radiographer be able to tell the difference between scar tissue & anything more sinister? The consultant I have now says I have a little bit of scar tissue.
I may have to wait 4 weeks for my results after the mammogram but I am already worried sick that it will be interpreted wrongly. Of course I know that prevention is better than cure but I was told that if anything "not right" showed up at any time, the next step was a biopsy again. I don't want to go through anything unnecessarily.
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Sep 27, 2007 03:24PM
, Sep 27, 2007 03:24PM
Dear YorkRose, It will be very helpful that the radiologist has the information and the actual films to compare the new mammogram with past mammograms. The interpretation of the results will need to take into account your history of surgery and will be evaluated accordingly, if there is a question about the findings that would require further evaluation that would be discussed with you. If you continue to have concerns about the interpretation of your tests after discussion with your doctors, a second opinion, including review of your films, is always an option for you.
This will be my first mammogram since the operation. I am in the UK & they don't seem to take a mammogram soon after the operation to compare with later. There is only the one I had taken when the actual tumour was present. I may phone the hospital nearer the time (Oct 18th) to give them my concerns, it's just that I didn't find them very helpful last year when I had the tumour & I had to resort to the internet to get information. They don't seem to want to admit that Phyllodes tumours are quite rare.
I will try & keep calm & not think the worst. I cannot feel any lumps myself except for the small scar tissue which I have got used to. I know though that it is early days as regards to this type of tumour recurring.
Thank you again.