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Category:

Breast Abnormalities and Other Symptoms

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Question:  #1171 3/18/2007		Q:	Hi Lillie, we were al getting worried ! Can you help. My wife has had Shingles now and they had to stop the Xeloda for two weeks, is shingles normal at this stage? Also her right arm is really swelling up, presumable from the lymph system not working, it does not cause her pain but it is very hot and uncomfortable, anything else we can do. Last but not least, her tiredness is all consuming, she hardly ever gets up before 4 or 5 pm, if she does then she sleeps in her chair, is this the Xeloda or Cancer or both. Glad to have you back
		A:	I'm improving. thanks for your concerns. Shingles isn' common or expected but a decrease in immunity is, and that combined with stress, probably triggered this to happen. so sorry she (and you) have had to deal with that. it can really be quite painful. since her arm is hot, make sure that it is cellulitis. make sure her doctor is aware that her arm is hot as it may be more than just lymphedema. hopefully when shingles improve treatment with resume. fatigue is probably due to both as well as shingles. hang in, both of you.
Question:  #1172 3/18/2007		Q:	had a lumpectomy for dcis high grade comedo type 1.6 tumor but the surgeon did not do sentinal node so now i,m afraid that he missed something and the radiation isn,t going to be effective--should i request node check or take the chance--if it wasn,t high grade i wouldn,t worry so much
		A:	the pathologist is respnonsible to be thorough in checking all the tissue of the cancer cells and ensure no invasive cells are present. sounds like you are fine as long as clear margins were achieved. so stop worrying, celebrate, and press on with radiation.
Question:  #1173 3/17/2007		Q:	I'm 44 yrs. old - I've had a mild pain/soreness deep in my left armpit that would come & go. Since last July, the area has been "puffy" & I have had continuous tenderness in this area, somedays worse than others, but it never goes away. The pain radiates into my left breast, almost to the nipple and somewhat down into the lower part of the armpit. I have had a Mammo and two CT Scans showing no masses. At first, I had an inflammed lymph node under my left arm, but the follow up CT scan indicates all is normal. All of my blood work is perfect; I have no infections in my body. I am very concerned, the soreness & tenderness is always on my mind. I have a family history of cancer (on my father's side - all different types of cancer). My first cousin (@ 40) was just diagnosed with breast cancer after having a perfectly normal mammo the month before; Thru an exam, her doctor was able to feel a lump, in fact she had three. She was told she has very dense breasts. I cannot feel any lumps - just a lot of tenderness & soreness. What should be my next step? A few other notes: I have a problem with a pinched muscle in my left shoulder joint; CT scan shows muscles on the left side of my neck are larger than on the right w/no unerlying mass; lymph nodes (from 1st CT scan)identified in the left & right axillary regions w/largest being 1.1 - 1.2 cm; thyroid gland is normal; and I have a "subcentimeter" (about 0.8 cm) cystic lesion of the liver - "too small to charaterize." Plesae let me know your thoughts or advice. Thanks so much!
		A:	go to a comprehensive breast center and get a good evaluation, especially clinical breast exam and re-review of these recent breast imagin studies. let them take the ball from there. if you want to come to us just call 443-287-2778.
Question:  #1174 3/17/2007		Q:	I am 41 and am scheduled to have an MRI on my breasts in a week for being a highrisk patient, having pain in my left breast for almost two years now, having fibrocystic disease diagnosed, and atypical cells on a breast biopsy in the past, having my first child at the age of 38, and having my mother die of breast cancer at age 66 and a first cousin die (a male) of breast cancer at age 38. I have had ultrasound and mammograms in the past which all revealed fibrocystic disease and very dense breasts. In your opinion, is an MRI the right way to go in this case? My mom also had very dense breasts and was already Stage IV breast cancer when she was diagnosed and NOTHING was every picked up by her mammograms. You can see my concern on this matter. Thank you.
		A:	MRI is useful for high risk women. your family history yells out to get genetic testing though, especially given you have a male in the family with breast cancer so consider pursuing that as well.
Question:  #1175 3/17/2007		Q:	I have been recently sick with either strep throat or "mono". The strep test came back negative, but I had taken a couple of doses of penicillen before the test. The dr. thinks this could have altered the test. I have been on amoxicillan for three days. The lymph node in the right side of my neck is still swollen and my throat is still semi-sore. I am usually feeling better by now. Also, I have had a cyst in the midline of my breasts near the cleavage area for about two years. About two days ago,it has swollen underneath the cyst and the swollen area seems alot larger. It hurts to touch it and it is beginning to bruise. I am really scared, because my mother had hodgkins about 7 years ago. Could this be a lymph node by my breast or something else. I could not get in to see a ob-gyn for another three weeks. (I just moved to a new area. ) Should I try to get in to see a doctor sooner or just wait and see if the antibiotic helps first. I am only 32 years old and am a mother of three young boys. Please advise.
		A:	so what you are dealing with may not be breast related at all. time to see your internal medicine doctor for a thorough physical including blood work.
Question:  #1176 3/17/2007		Q:	pathology says comedo dcis withmicro invasion left breast suture single short superior single long lateral double inferior--part one cut sections show .2c are of pink-white irregualrity at tip fo lacalization wire close to anterior margin--part two is labelled anterior margin with no discrete nodulaities grossly noted--final diagnosis dcis tumor size 107cm high grade-hitlogic type comedo and micropapillary margins free of tumor -closest inferposteriro margin 4mm-mild ductal hyerplasi-focal sclerosing adenosis---have had lumpectomy done in two parts and now scheduled for radiatin -60 years old with high blood pressure and moderate osteoporosis--is all comedo casting type and is the the best course of action or would mastecomy be a close to 100 percent cure
		A:	lumpectomy with radiation is equal to mastectomy for survival.... if you are a worry wart about local recurrence and would find yourself doing a breast self exam in the shower every day, then mastectomy is something to consider but it doesn't make you live longer.
Question:  #1177 3/17/2007		Q:	I am 38 years old and was sent for a mammogram due to suspicious lymph nodes. The lymph nodes were fine, but a couple clusters of microcalfications were found in one breast. I went back for magnification views and the radiologist's report states that they are probably benign. He recommends a follow up in a year. I am concerned about waiting that long. From what I've read, a 6 month follow up is the norm. Am I overreacting?
		A:	reasonable and appropriate to request re-evaluating in 6 months.
Question:  #1178 3/17/2007		Q:	My question is about pathology report. A cluster of 2 or 3 microcalc within apocrine columner cell hyperplasia,stromal fibrosis, and sclerosing adenosis what does all this mean and could this be related to the virus hpv whick I had a hysterectomy at 21 for?
		A:	doubtful virus related. no mention of atypical cells. so all considering this is still considered a benign finding unless atypical cells were noted.
Question:  #1179 3/17/2007		Q:	My mammogram I had a couple weeks ago show new microcalcifications that are in a cluster. I have a biopsy scheduled for next week and I'm very scared about the results. I was told they are so faint it might not be possible to do a biopsy. I didn't know to ask the shape but the radiologist called it indeterminate. Can you tell me anything that will help ease my anxiety? Thanks so much.
		A:	the key is a talented radiologist who specializes in breast imaging and biopsies and state of the art equaipment to visualize these calcs and sample them. you are welcome to come to us for this. 443-287-2778. being in good hands is paramount.
Question:  #1180 3/17/2007		Q:	I have done mastectomy on my left breast and i have done chemotherapy and radiation. After my radiation, whenever i eat solid foods i get choked in my throat and i get hiccups. I have also done endoscopy, but the doctors say nothing is wrong.Please can you tell me why am I get choked? Is it because of radiation? Or is there something wrong with my throat?Please let me know.
		A:	gee, there is no way to guess on this without seeing you. return to your radiation oncologist to discuss how much of your throat area may have received scattered radiation. remember too we can develop other disorders unrelated to radiation side effects, like thyroid problems.
Question:  #1181 3/17/2007		Q:	I am 48 years old. Diagnosed with IDC last year. Had lumpectomy and node dissection followed by accelerated radiation. No node involvement. Chose not to have chemo. In Dec./06 I developed a very painful breast condition on the same breast. It swelled, was hot to touch, itchy, ripply and pocked as well as visible nipple change. Was treated for mastitis and given pain pills. 3 weeks later, no change. Given another round of antibiotics and switched to morphine for pain. I was not sleeping or moving during this time as a result of the extreme pain. 2 weeks later, Dr. did skin tissue biopsy which came back showing inflammatory cells. Went back to my onc. who basically suggested that I was faking all this and that the breast didn't look too bad at all. He then went on to ask me about abusing street or medical drugs - no, alcohol-no, psychological problems - no and on and on it went. Since my last mammo showed changes on the other breast and now with this breast still acting up, what should I do? What do inflammatory cells mean? Can this be or turn into IBC? I went onto a new pain pill and am surviving but still sore. Probably a 8 out of 10 on the pain scale. My family Dr. is strongly suggesting masectomy. What do you think is my best bet? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I feel that I am not getting the best treatment here. Thank you.
		A:	the concern would be possibly inflammatory breast cancer.... if you can come our way, do. 443-287-2778. the presence of "dermal lymphatics" on a skin punch biopsy is confirmation of inflammatory breast cancer.
Question:  #1182 3/17/2007		Q:	hi there. i am 24 years old and have had two fibroid adenomas removed from my left breast when i was 16 and 17 years old. just recently i noticed a pointy mass with a long "tube like" line attached to it. i have no kids and have a mirena IUD...could the IUD be causing this? could fibroids be this wierd shaped?
		A:	fibroids can have elongated shapes sometimes. bottom line is that its time to return to your surgeon for evaluation. if you want to come our way just call 443-287-2778.
Question:  #1183 3/17/2007		Q:	I am a 59yr old, going through menopause. I have had breat implants since the 70's with no problems at all. Tonight I was sitting at my computer typing, and my right breast began to leak. There is no pain and I think the liquid is clear. Is this just part of menopause or could it be something going on with the implant? Thank you,
		A:	could be an implant problem. implants are not designed to last a lifetime. most require replacement after 7-10 years, so these sure owe you nothing! time to see your doctor for a clinical breast exam and get some breast imaging done. if you want to come to us just call 443-287-2778.
Question:  #1184 3/17/2007		Q:	My mammogram reads "Digital magnification views of teh left brest obtained. They are very faint calsifications in the posterior upper-outer left breast which are indeterminate. These calsifications would not be amenable to stereotactic biopsy due to their posterior location." Radiologist told me that I need a surgical biopsy. Are there other options for biopsy for that location? Would it make sense to get an ultrasound before considering a biopsy?
		A:	based on the deion, the next thing to do is to see a breast surgical oncologist who would perform a wire localization open excisional biopsy. possibly another option is getting the mammogram repeated digitally. you are welcome to come to us for either/both. 443-287-2778.
Question:  #1185 3/17/2007		Q:	Hello, I am seventeen years old and I have an oozing sore on my right areola. It's just below my nipple. At first I thought it was a patch of dry skin because I tend to have very dry skin. A few months ago it started itching but I thought that was normal too. However, recently it has grown noticeably so that it now resembles a lump rather than a flat, dry patch. It's very dry and I've found discharge on my bras in the last few weeks and noticed that it has been oozing. I am not sure if I am too young for breast cancer but I've been reading about Paget's disease of the nipple and my symptoms sound similar. I need help! I'm now very worried.
		A:	time to see your gynecologist and if you don't have one, go to see the one your mom sees. this is probably an abscess that needs to be drained and warrants taking antibiotics. though it is possible to be pagets, the odds are in your favor based on your age alone that it probably is something else. go monday.
Question:  #1186 3/17/2007		Q:	Hello! My daughter is 16 years old. She has mild pain on both breasts, for that reason we went to our doctor and she found 3 lumps. My daughter had a breasts sonogram which say : " Both breast desmonstrate multiple regions of abnornal shadowing scattered throughout the breast parenchyma.This is most noticeable in a retroareolar region in both breasts. No discrete mass was desmosnstrated, but cannot be excluded". I am so concerned ... Please could you tell me what should i do now?. Thank you so much
		A:	usually when a teen has lumps and pain the most probably causes are benign cysts. take her to a comprehensive breast center where she can be properly evaluated. if you are near us you are welcome to come our way. just call 443-287-2778. remember she is still developing so lumps and bumps are not that unusual right now. don't fret over this. the statistical odds are in her favor.
Question:  #1187 1/29/2007		Q:	I am 48-years old. I have persistent mild pain in the right breast (for over a year); both breasts are usually sore around my menstrual cycle which seems normal. I have fibrocystic breasts. My mammogram is normal, but it says it is hard to read because they are very dense. I did not have a digital mammograms. I have had ultrasounds for a large painful lump in the lower part of my right breast that comes and goes with my cycle. The ultrasounds have not shown any problems. My maternal aunt had breast cancer at 52, my mother is 71 and was recently diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. Would an MRI be helpful? I am concerned about the chronic pain in the breast.
		A:	inquire about an mri. also consider genetics evaluation for your family.
Question:  #1188 1/29/2007		Q:	Hello. I doubt this simple question will be posted here, considering all the more important ones I'm seeing in comparison. My question does not have alot of big words. I am only 21 years old, and I found a lump in my left breast 2 years ago. My former family doctor I went to did not call me to tell me the results sent to them by the clinic who did my breast exam and I figured that the lump was nothing. I went for a checkup recently (yes I'm one of those people that do not go to the doctors often....) after finding that my lump had grown significantly... it's about 2cm by 3cm... when 2 years before it was way smaller. My doctor faxed for my results from 2 years ago, and the fax said they had recommended me to go back 4 to 6 months after the first ultrasound I had for another ultrasound or biopsy; they thought it was just benign. I have another ultrasound due this week. But I have some concerns. Now that it's considerably larger, what are my options? removing it through surgery (will this significantly deform my breast because I'm only a B cup and are there such things as smaller transplants or some other surgery to correct any chance that my left breast will be smaller than my right one..?), or a biopsy (although I think only cysts really benefit from this because they're fluid filled?), or do I just leave it? (even though after 2 years it has already grown bigger, I don't want to wait for my whole breast to be covered with a growing lump). Thanks if you can get back to me.
		A:	since it has grown they may want to do a core biopsy to confirm it is a benign fibroadenoma. if they recommend removing it, yes, it is possible to get a small implant to make up for volume loss.
Question:  #1189 1/29/2007		Q:	I have a quick question, Im not sure where to present this question but here it goes. I had a breast aug/breast lift on 1/20/06 in Texas, I am completely healthy, non smoker and non drinker. I am suffering from a severe complication that I dont feel should have happened in the first place. I have nipple necrosis on both nipples but my left one I lost 100% of the nipple and 80% of my natural breast tissue, the right one lost 25% of the nipple. With the necrosis I have 810cc implant in my left and 475cc in my right. I am not a canidate for the tattoo because of my skin being way to thin. I am scared out of my mind, I cry all the time because it looks horrible and my doctor isnt budging on giving my money back or anything. I have had 3 surgeries 6 infections and 2 set of implants. I have 8 lawyers who have declined my claim only because of the popularity of my doctor. He is respected all aound texas, ok and La. But each and every lawyer says dont stop keep going and you will find that person that doesnt either know him or doesnt have conflict of interest. Im not sure if I am there mentally to go through this. I am still trying to cope with only having one nipple and the fact that I have 810cc in my left breast so I protect it from being hit or bumped or anything because my skin is seriously thin. I need advise, I havent seen that doctor in my last surgery on 8/4/06 and he hasnt touched out to me to see how I am doing either. I feel left out and I need to know if going a legal route will be a positive move for me, Im seeking help from a therapist and Im also on 80mg of prozac to keep me sane. This doctor has done a huge number on me and my marriage is at risk because of him and Im not sure what to do. Please help!
		A:	i'm not sure what your expectations are of writing to us. you can always to to another plastic surgeon for a second opinion and advice about how to proceed with your care though. no idea what happened surgically because i wasn't there. physician's local popularity is rarely a reason a lawyer gives for not taking a case.
Question:  #1190 1/29/2007		Q:	Hi I had breast cancer in may 2006 had surgery and developed a infection and a huge seroma. It burts leaving a hole. The hole did not close( went threw rads with hole). I have been under a doctors care the whole time for the wound.But it just would not close. So Had surgery Nov 2006 to close hole, it did not work. I was currenly under the care of a Plastic Surgeon, who was hoping to close the hole with medication. Was on Panafil and now on Curasol gel wound dressing. He now tells me he doesnt take my insurance.So I am now with out a dr. I still do the curasol once a day and pack the wound... He is my question. With a wound like this from what I call infection from surgery and damaged skin from rads, what is my best course of treatment. Should I find a new Plastic Surgeon or Should I find a wound healing center. I am at my emotional end , I have had this wound/hole for 8 months. The wound is the size of a nickle and has the depth of my pinky finger. Thank you for this great helpful site.
		A:	getting a second opinion with another surgeon is an option. if you want to come here and see one of our plastic surgeons call chanel at 443-287-2778.
Question:  #1191 1/29/2007		Q:	Lat month I had a mammogram that showed a 1cm mass. A few weeks ago I had my us and the tech said it might just be a cyst. The doctor just called me into the office and said I now need a biopsy of the cystit area. Should I be worried because I am ? My other question is this; if 1 in 8 women get bc why do they say only 80% of biopsy come back showing bc ?
		A:	20% of biopsies in general are breast cancer... so sounds like this might be a complex cyst with debris that he wants sampled. don't fret yet. would be premature to do so.
Question:  #1192 1/29/2007		Q:	I am 42 years old and had a mammogram on 01/23/07. I got a call the next day that they saw a shadow, but it was not marked urgent so they are not having me come back in for another mammo until 02/13/07. Now I am WORRIED TO DEATH! Is this common? Could it be just folded skin? I also have Breast Implants. PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE RESPOND!
		A:	too premature to be worrying yet. may not be anything. it actually a good sign that they are delaying bringing you back-- implies they are not that concerned.
Question:  #1193 1/29/2007		Q:	I am 28 years old. In May of 2006, I found a lump in my right breast. It was a BI-RADS catagory 3. I went to a breast surgeon/specialist in September of 2006 and that month I had an open excisional biopsy (lump size of a Robin's egg). The doctor said that I would have to get checked every six months because she found atypical cells in the lump. About two weeks ago, I found another lump about an inch or so away from the scar. I saw my doctor on Wednesday and she said that it is definately a lump and not scar tissue, and that she is hoping it is a cyst. On Thursday, I had an ultrasound and the tech said that it is definately not a cyst. The lump is about the size of a pea and it is hard. I am quite worried. What is the next step? Could this be cancer???
		A:	the radiologist may want to do a biopsy of it then in breast imaging. stereotactic or core biopsy. whatever it is, it is small. don't assume it is cancer yet. that would be premature to leap to that conclusion.
Question:  #1194 1/29/2007		Q:	Hi, I am a 17 year old male, and while doing vigorous exercise, my right nipple starts to burn / sting. It is extremely sensative after that for an hour or two. I am just curious as to why this is happening and I am hoping that you can answer my question. Thank you very much,
		A:	not sure.... sounds like you may have stimulated a nerve in the chest that triggered this.
Question:  #1195 1/29/2007		Q:	HAD TRAM FLAP AUGUST 2006 HAVE NOW GOT HERNIA IS OPERATION EASY ALSO STARTING TAXOL ON 22FEB WHAT ARE SIDE EFFECTS LIKE ARE THEY BETTER THAN AC. THANKYOU
		A:	side effects from chemo varies from person to person. so this is a wait and see situation for you. hernia repair is pretty easy procedure.
Question:  #1196 1/29/2007		Q:	I am a 44 year old who has had several pace maker implants over the past twenty years. Last week during a routine mammogram, they found a mass close to where the old pace-maker incision was located. Over the past few days the simple act of sweeping the floors caused numbness and pain down my right arm and upper shoulder area. My primary physician had also ordered a CT scan of my chest, but on the CT they didn't see anything abnormal. What is the likelyhood that this is nothing more than scar tissue from my past surgery, and should I be concerned about this? Thanks for you time.
		A:	usually masses in the breast related to breast cancer don't cause these symptoms. so the odds are probably in your favor for scar tissue. ask about ultrasound of the area.
Question:  #1197 1/28/2007		Q:	I am 53 years old, last period end 2005. Had an mammogram then ultrasound that found a 6mm nodule in my right breast. I am having a biopsy next week. The radiologist said it's probably a fibroid but I thought those were problems younger women had. What are my chances it's cancer? And what would happen if it was? Thank you so much.
		A:	don't you consider yourself young? I do!! (I'm also 53). the radiologist is usually really good at second guessing what these are. you can have a fibroid at 53..
Question:  #1198 1/28/2007		Q:	I went in for a yearly breast mammogram on Tuesday and got a call from my Dr. Wednesday tellimg me I needed to have a spot compression and ultrasound. She said that they saw a nodule that wasn't there last year. After reading this forum I am wondering was there more information that she should have given me such as a bi-rad score at this point. These test are scheduled for Friday. Will the technicians be able to give me a little more information or will I have to wait to hear from my Dr.?
		A:	the technician should be able to tell you more and the doctor should be reading your films friday while you are there. ask to speak with him when he finishes and before you leave.
Question:  #1199 1/28/2007		Q:	I am 30yo mother of two; not nursing. I have had flu like symptoms for about two months now that wont seem to go away. My right breast keeps having a deep pain that generates to my armpit. Yet my left breast has shown some physical changes. When I lift my arms there seems to a dip in the side, like there is no muscle/fat there to fill it. I have also noticed the areola really look wrinkled. This persists and the pain seems to dissipate and will return. Any ideas?
		A:	don't know without seeing you. may not be breast related at all. time to see your family doctor. go this week. 2 months is 2 months too long.
Question:  #1200 1/29/2007		Q:	I posted a question in another category about my sister, 35 y.o. with stage 3B bc, very aggressive type (clear cell feature, local recurrence while on taxol). I sent a question to you on 1/5/07, about the fact that I (40 yo) had an annual mammogram, it showed dense microcalcifications in the entire outer quad of my left breast (not shown on previous mammo). I saw a surgeon who states that she would have to do a lumpectomy of 1/4 of my breast tissue to get adequate sample, could not do biopsy because there is no lump. So ultimately she recommeded that I wait and repeat mammogram in six months. Does this seem acceptable, given my sister's history? Am I at any more risk because of her history (no other family history). She has not been tested genetically yet. Thanks
		A:	hhmm. usually a stereotactic biopsy can be done on calcifications like this by a radiologist in breast imaging so pursue that avenue. you are at increased risk given you have a first degree relative, premenopausally diagnosed.