Expert: Minas T Chrysopoulo, MD - 11/4/2011

Question
Hello, ten days ago I had my expander changed for the implant and had a checkup yesterday.  Before the checkup I felt a tiny hard lump above the line where I was stitched on the breast.  The lump is about half an inch above the line.  I asked the doctor what it was and she said a stitch, but its not a place where the stitching is and it feels as if it is in the muscle.  Could this be a new cancer or mets?  Would the xray before the operation have shown a cancer? I will see my famiy doctor after the weekend, but am very anxious.  Thank you.

Answer
Dear Hazel,

Without examining you and knowing your precise surgical history I'm afraid I cannot say what the lump is for sure. It could certainly be the result of a suture. However, with your history of breast cancer it is imperative to make sure this doesn't represent a new cancer. I recommend you visit with your breast surgeon to make sure.

Dr C