lumps under skin post mastectomy

[Caroline516]

Could/should  the unsightly and somewhat painful lumps under the skin near the scar after mastectomy be removed?  Should they be biopsied?  Will they resolve on their own?

[zouzi]

Glad to hear that you'll be seeing another surgeon soon.That's a very wise decision.
Sometimes when we don't have a clear answer from our doctors,it's always best to seek a second opinion to make sure that all is fine with our health.
Wishing you all the best...

[Caroline516]

Had my mastectomy at the end of May this year, and the first one 23 years ago.  No radiation on either, the first had no such issues.  These lumpy areas are recent.  Will see another surgeon after the fist of the year.  Caroline 516

[bluebutterfly2222]

Along with SueYoung, I'm also wondering how long ago you had the mastectomy.

A common place for BC to occur after mastectomy is around the scar, so if there's any doubt about the "lumps," being more than a complication related to recent surgery, I think a biopsy would be in order.

Please keep us posted in regard to what you find out--we care!

Wishing you all the best,
bluebutterfly

[SueYoung55]

How long ago was your mastectomy? And did you have radiation to that area?

[zouzi]

Hi again Caroline,
Although I don't have personal experience about this issue,I know that many women have complained about this same problem you are having.
If you are not satisfied with your surgeon's answers,I would if I were you,seek a second opinion from a Breast Surgeon or even a plastic Surgeon to see what needs to be done to resolve this problem.
All the best...

[Caroline516]

Thanks, but have seen my surgeon who seems unfazed by them, no real answers either, other than she left a layer of fat cells when she took the breast tissue, so they may be increasing.  Just wanted to know if others had similar  issue.  They are above my scar line, slowly increasing, and somewhat painful.    

[zouzi]

I forgot to add that this could also be "seroma"which are pockets of clear serous fluid that sometimes develop in the body after surgery.
Seromas can form shortly after surgery if drains are not used, and they may also occur after removal of a drain.Usually they too resolve on their own,but sometimes draining the fluid is needed several times.
As I mentioned before, please talk to your Surgeon about it,if you haven't done so already.
Take care...

[zouzi]

Hi,
These lumps could be scar tissue that has formed after surgery.Gentle massage and warm compresses could help.If there is no improvement, then they can be surgically removed.
If you haven't seen your Surgeon/Oncologist about this problem,I would advise you,first of all, to have these painful lumps checked out .He/she will certainly let you know what tests or treatment would be needed in your particular case.
Best wishes...