bx done in oct and now aug.scar tissue or new lump

[barb310]

I had a bx done last oct and was told that the hardning under the incision would dissapear w/in a few months. It is 10 months since the surg and the lump is enlarging and the nipple is dimpling. Should I be concerned  and call the surgeon for a check up. Breast cancer runs in the maternal side of the family.


This discussion is related to Scar Tissue or Lump?.

[barb310]

Thank you for your information. I made an appt w/ the surgeon that did the oringinal biopsy and he did feel the lump. he said that it seems that it is not healing right. he ordered a u/s of the breast concentrating on the sub areola area. That came out normal The next day I had a bilateral mamo done. the radiologist caame in and stated that it looked ok, but that he was more concerned about the other breast b/c the previous steriotactic bx that was done ( approx 5 years ago). He stated that the calcifications are more clearer now. After 5 years/ yearly mamos. he suggested 6 month follow up.What would make the calcifications clearer now>
I go back to the surgeon this week.
Why would the mass/lump not show up on the mamo / ultrasound but yet can be felt and it is casuing an appearant dimpling? I am sure that he will recommend another biopsy to make a diagnosis. Could this be a possible cancer?
i am getting nervous, but then again am resining myself to the possiblity it could be cancer.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

From what you have described, it seems that you have a tendency for keloids or similar mechanisms, causing the underlying biopsied breast tissue to enlarge or harden.  However, with your family history, it is best that you have this checked by your surgeon, preferrably the same one who did the biopsy procedure.

This may indeed just be a consequence of fibrosing connective tissues as a result of the biopsy, or may be something else, like fibrocystic disease, fibroadenoma, and also to rule out the possibility of malignancy.

You may also discuss with your doctor regarding a mammogram, since from the mammogram alone, we can have clues whether this lesion is scar, benign lump or possibility of malignancy.

Regards.