Post Lumpectomy question

[KimS425]

Due to microcalcs and a cyst that came back "atypical" I had a lumpectomy on 9/11/08 - the local pathologist sent it off for final diagnosis.  When the results came back, my surgeon felt they were not my results due to incorrect specimen date, and incorrect procedure performed.  The specimen has been sent to another lab and we are still waiting for the results.  I noticed two days ago a new thickening and hard palpable mass AWAY from the incision area.  I followed up with my surgeon and he  performed an ultrasound, and found no fluid, just tissue.  He seemed perplexed.  He wants me to go through two menstrual cycles and follow-up with him in December.  Is it possible to have a mass grow that quickly after lumpectomy?

[KimS425]

Thank you - we are hoping that this lesion is a remainder of the healing process from the lumpectomy.  

[PaulMD]

Hi.

If this new thickening in the breast is away from the incision site, then it is possible that this is a separate event from that of before.  The fact that your doctor is advising you to observe the lesion in relation to the menstrual cycle means that he's probably entertaining breast changes in response to your hormones which is fibrocystic disease, or fibroadenoma.

I hope that the results of the lumpectomy will be available soon to settle the nature of the first operation and I would agree with the observation of the new thickening in relation to your menstrual cycle.

Regards.