You are here:
- Home
- Health/Fitness
- Women's Health
- Breast Cancer
- After Radiation
Breast Cancer/After Radiation
Advertisement
Question
I was diagnosed with bilateral DCIS in May, and had lumpectomies and 36 radiation treatments on each side. The right breast seems o.k.,but I have developed a large lump in theleft one, the nipple was pulled in during surgery. I have had mammograms & an ultrasound on the left breast because of the lump. They seem to think it is only scar tissue or fat neucrosis. However, I have now developed a dimpled place on the breast above the surgery. I am also experiencing some itching and/or slight burning sensation around the nipple. I can't believe that after all the treatments I should be having this problem. Is this normal?
No, it is not "normal" but unfortunately it can happen. I would suggest that the mammograms and ultrasound scans are complemented with a breast MRI too to be on the safe side and also - if possible - with a thin needle aspiration biopsy for the same reason. Unfortunately surgery always includes the risk of complications which this probably is an example of. Your drs. are probably right with regards to the nature of this complication but I suggest the procedures mentioned above in order to be sure.
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | I am pleased with the quick response. I will have a needle biopsy next week, but did not know about a breast MRI. I may suggest that. | ||
Related Articles
- Breast Biopsy – Aspiration of a Breast Cyst – Breast Biopsy
- Breast Biopsy Methods - Choosing a Breast Biopsy Method
- Breast Biopsy Methods - Choosing a Breast Biopsy Method
- Ultrasounds or Mammograms - Breast Cancer Screening - Ultrasounds or Mammograms
- Breast Biopsy - Excisional - Incisional - Fine Needle Aspiration - Core Needle Aspiration
Answers by Expert:
Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.
Expertise
I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience in diagnostics and treatment of breast tumours.
Experience
I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps.You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.
I also answer questions about
Oncology (General Cancer),
General History,
Military History,
Brain Tumors,
Colon Cancer
Education/Credentials
I'm a medical doctor and specialist in medical oncology and radiation therapy.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.