Monday, November 23, 2009 Phoebe asks

Q: Possible Scar Tissue in the Breast

Hello,

In 2006, I had surgery on my right breast due to bloody nipple discharge. The surgeon removed the infected milk ducts, biopsied the milk ducts, which thankfully came back benign. Recently, my right breast feels very hard, like a rock. It has felt different since the surgery, but now it seems the hardness is more pronounced and filling more of the breast. Could this be scar tissue? I had a baseline Mammogram in Feb of 2009 and nothing was present then, however, my breast wasn't as hard as it is now. (I hope I'm making sense) I am not sure what to do. I'm not due to go back to my OB/GYN until Feb of 2010. Thank you in advance for your guidance!

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Answers (1)

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

11/23/09 12:45pm

Phoebe, all breast changes that don't seem related to your period (i.e., they don't come and go in synch with your cycle) should be checked by a doctor. So call your GP, describe your symptoms, and find out what's up, OK? good luck - PJH

Phoebe

11/24/09 9:33am

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I will call my doctor's office.

Phoebe

12/ 2/09 8:36am

Due to holiday travel and work issues, I was not able to get an appointment until Monday December 7^th to discuss the hardness of my one breast. The hardness of my breast is between the 8:00 and 12:00. Well, I also found an area of thickness on my right breast that has me concerned. It's at the 3:00 position on the areola, close to the nipple. I only feel the thickness when I put my thumb on one side and forefinger on the other and gently squeeze, I do not feel the thickness when I do my BSE by applying pressure to the top of that area. I keep thinking that its scar tissue from the removal of the infected ducts surgery in July 2006, except I know it wasn't there two weeks ago. Since, I only feel the thickness while gently squeezing the area and I do not feel the thickness while applying pressure to the top of the area, what are the chances it's something to worry about? Have you ever heard of anyone finding a cancerous growth this way? I am positive this isn't realted to my cycle, due to a hysterectomy about 10 years ago. December 7^th seems so far away.

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

12/ 2/09 6:27pm

Phoebe, please read our post on fibrocystic change; even with a hysterectomy, you could be dealing with this. Also, it's extremely unlikely that breast cancer with symptoms such as you describe would develop in both breasts at once. Other than that, not much I can say other than waiting is tough, but you have no choice; so try to make the best of it by keeping busy, staying positive, and expecting the best. Good luck - PJH

Phoebe

12/ 8/09 3:31pm

Thanks again for all of your advise. Well, I went to my doctors yesterday and he is referring me to a breast surgeon to rule out cancer. He said he felt what I felt and wasn’t really sure what it was – could be scar tissue, could be something else. He seemed pretty confident that it’s benign. I am scheduled to see the surgeon on December 28th.

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

12/ 8/09 8:02pm

OK, Phoebe, good luck - hope things turn out well for you. PJH

Q: Possible Scar Tissue in the Breast

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