breast cancer recurrence

[Lin1011]

i had breast cancer 15 1/2 years ago and a radical mastectomy (14 lymph nodes removed) - I am on hormone therapy and had chemo & radiation at the time of diagnosis. Now, recently, I have been experiencing an extremely itchy chest where the mastectomy was performed and from scratching have slight sores and redness. If I leave it alone it goes away but returns in about 2 weeks, again extremely itchy. I went for an exam and my doctor wants me to go for a biopsy to play it safe.  Could this be a return of the cancer and if so, how aggressive might it be.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear Lin1011:  Skin on the breast (chest) is like skin anywhere else and is subject to a variety of abnormalities.  Given your history, the doctor likely wants to biopsy sooner rather than later just to be sure.  Without evaluation, it is impossible for us to speculate on what this might be.  You may also wish to discuss the risks and benefits of hormone therapy with your oncologist or gynecologist.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear Lin1011:  Skin on the breast (chest) is like skin anywhere else and is subject to a variety of abnormalities.  Given your history, the doctor likely wants to biopsy sooner rather than later just to be sure.  Without evaluation, it is impossible for us to speculate on what this might be.  You may also wish to discuss the risks and benefits of hormone therapy with your oncologist or gynecologist.