Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 7/26/2007

Question
Hi,

My story is rather long but I will try to make it quick. About two and a half months ago I developed thickening in my left breast about 1/2" in diameter. Over the following months the thickening "spread" across the lower half of the breast as well as the appearance of 2 swollen (2cm) axillary lymph nodes and 1 pea sized supraclavicular node. The affected breast has become visibly larger than the other.

I have had negative ultrasound, mammogram and incisional breast biopsy as well as exisional axillary node biopsy. I am very happy about all of these results but I am worried about the breast tissue biopsy because the surgeon could not feel the thickening (although other doctors could) and had me point out the area to biopsy. I pointed to an area about 1/2 " under my nipple and she made the incision along my nipple. The sample size was about 2 cm by 2 cm. Could cancer have been missed?

I didn't mention it to the Dr. at the time but I began having shoulder/neck pain - above my collar bone at the crook of the neck - about a week before biopsy (I thought I was sleeping funny) but I still have the shoulder pain, the pain has persisted about three weeks but only bothers me when I lean my head to that side. Could the shoulder pain be related to my other concerns?

I would really appreciate any advice.

Thank you!

Answer
First your question with regards to if your neck-shoulder problems can be related to your breast problem. Yes they can but it is not certain. At this point in time and from here and without the possibility of examining you I can unfortunately not come any further than that. Back to your breast. The big question here obviously is if you have an infection/inflammation of your breast - a mastitis - or if you have a what in that case probably would be an inflammatory breast cancer. The danger of that second alternative is so big that I must URGE you to have a second surgical opinion and another biopsy or even other new biopsies! Please do keep me posted!