Hard area in breast after lumpectomy

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1

I wonder if this is normal. I had a lumpectomy for a 35mm tumour along with full node clearance three weeks ago. The scars are healing well and I got clear margins, so that’s positive.

the only thing I’m unsure about is I have a very large hard area around the site. It doesn’t feel like it’s liquid as it’s really hard (although I did have the drain in for over two weeks because the levels didn’t drop enough).

Is it normal to feel a large hard area after a lumpectomy and does it usually soften over time? At what point should I go and get it looked at, if at all?

Thank you!

2

I had mammoplasty and re-excision in feb. I too can feel that hard area , around where the tumour was, underneath skin. I have asked numerous times (!) - and been told it’s scar tissue. When I said to the radiotherapy consultant said that I was worried I wouldn’t feel if anything else lurking underneath he said that it can really improve with massage .. as can the scar. Have been doing that these last few weeks since finishing radio and can feel some difference.

interesting to hear what others have to say as only my experience of course!

best wishes

jo

3

Hi there

Four months out from my lumpectomy, which resulted in clear margins, I could still feel that hardness under my scar and it was becoming more painful as time went on so I got it checked and sure enough it is a local recurrence.

Not intending to freak out anyone experiencing this as there are definitely plenty of other benign things it could be, but just really want to encourage anyone who thinks something is not right to seek advice.

All the best. x

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Thank you Jo - this is my concern too, how do you tell what’s scar tissue and what’s something to worry about. I think I’m also hyper aware as my tumour grew during chemo after initially shrinking, and despite asking to be checked and mentioning it several times I kept being told it was just tissue changes and not to worry. So I now don’t really trust anything that’s said to me 100%. That’s really encouraging that yours has improved with massage - I’ll give this a go.

5

I’m so sorry to hear this - and don’t worry, it’s important to share experiences whether positive or negative. Are you still receiving treatment for the reoccurrence? I hope you’re doing ok.

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@mssteel thank you for this - its so important… and I suppose you thought at 4 months no way can it be back. I hope you are doing well xx

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Thanks @lucyblue and I’m sorry that you’ve not been listened to and now that trust, which is so important, has somewhat waned. I have experience of this with previous health conditions and it certainly made the process all the more difficult.

Hats off to my breast care team though because when I called to ask for it to be checked, they got me in the next day, said it was probably scar tissue on examination but they wanted to ultrasound it to be sure. I was scanned a week later and the consultant radiologist thought it was probably fat necrosis but wanted to biopsy it to be sure. I got the confirmation of the recurrence a week later.

I met with the oncologist this week and I’m starting a new neo-adjuvant chemo regime next week, then it’ll be more surgery, then more adjuvant treatment. They’ve also found a spot on my liver via CT scan they want to check further so I’m waiting on an MRI. So yeah, lots going on but at least it’s happening!

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Hi lucyblue,

Thanks for posting.

It’s natural to be concerned about the large hard area you can feel after having a lumpectomy.

After- effects following breast surgery can vary from person to person and swelling is common. Swelling can feel hard initially especially if fluid builds up after having a drain removed. For most people any swelling should lessen in 6 to 8 weeks. If it’s uncomfortable or feels heavy, you may want to wear a supportive bra during the day and at night for a while.

If you are worried about this hard swelling or if you feel it is getting bigger, talk to your breast care nurse, especially if any replies to your post have raised concerns for you. They may want to see you back at the clinic to check it.

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Best wishes,

Eve

Breast Care Nurse

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