pain after lumpectomy

[mll279]

I had a lumpectomy in December of 2007. I am posting in November 2008. I have had intermittent pain in my breast since the surgery. My incision is at the very bottom of my breast, which is where the cells were. Most of my pain is in the area around the nipple and the nipple itself. In general, the pain has been moderate, mostly very sensitive (in a bad way) to touch. In the last couple of days I have begun experiencing persistent and more severe pain from the incision site to the entire area around the nipple. Is this normal? I remember reading somewhere that nerves can cause this months after surgery. Should I be alarmed? Should I call my surgeon, or my Gynecologist
Thank you.

[mll279]

Thank you for your post. The cells were benign and no further treatment was required. I had my mammogram in July 2008 (digital) which found "no significant abnormalities". I also have an annual CA 125 test which was normal. I am not averse to going back to the doctor, I just hate to waste people's time, if the pain is normal or expected.

Thank you.

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
You had lumpectomy in December 2007.  Did you have further treatment?
There is a need to establish whether the breast pain you are experiencing is secondary to the long term complication of your previous surgery, or to a possible disease recurrence.  Surgery has the potential to damage the nerves.  Scarring secondary to wound healing can cause persistent breast pain.  However, a disease recurrence can also manifest with breast pain and should be ruled-out.    
You need to go back to your doctor for re-evaluation.  There may be a need to perform a mammogram or breast ultrasound.  For the meantime, you can take any over-the-counter pain medication to relieve you of the discomfort.
Take care.