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Tuesday, August 31, 2010 Loredanasf asks

Q: Changing lump in lactating breast with skin redness

I am 30 years old and currently breastfeeding my first child, born this February. In my first trimester of pregnancy last year I suddenly developed a lump in my right breast. This lump has been monitored by Kaiser. To date, I've had 4 ultrasounds and a biopsy with the following findings. Ultrasound #1 (pregnancy, 2nd trimester) - solid lump, 3.5cm. Report said "probably a fibroadenoma." Ultrasound #2 (6-month follow-up - 4 weeks postpartum) - complex cystic mass, 5cm. Radiologist said biopsy is needed because of the changes. Biopsy (6 weeks postpartum) - core biopsy was intended, but the radiologist decided to first try to aspirate. While/milk-like fluid was extracted from the lump and then discarded with no analysis. The lump was deemed "probably a galactocele." Ultrasound #3 ( 3-month biopsy follow up - 4 months postpartum) - gross cyst with some solid components, 4.5 cm Ultrasound #4 (last week, 6.5 months postpartum) - mainly solid lump, 5.2cm. The lump showed no blood flow, so the radiologist assumes it is solidified milk. In the past 2 weeks, the skin over the lump became red. The OB prescribed antibiotics which aren't making any difference. I have had no fever or other signs of infection. The lump itself seems to be advancing toward the middle of my chest in the direction of the biopsy site. The redness has now been present over the lump for over a week. I am really worried about this lump and the redness over it. Does this sound like IBC? Thank you!
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Answers (1)
PJ Hamel, Health Guide
8/31/10 2:57pm

Hi - This doesn't sound like IBC, but it would definitely be good to find out exactly what it is. Have they suggested another biopsy? The first one seems inconclusive, and biopsy is the only sure way to rule out cancer. I really suspect this has something to do with breastfeeding, but you need to find out for sure. Hope you get this resolved soon - PJH

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8/31/10 4:18pm

Because I've developed a milk fistula after the initial biopsy, they are reluctant to repeat it. I'm seeing 2 different surgeons in the next week and we'll see what the best course of action is. I'm worried about this lump now and have definitely read myself scared on the internet... Thank you for the response!

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PJ Hamel, Health Guide
8/31/10 4:36pm

Sorry about the "reading yourself scared" - definitely easy to do, with all the info. so easily accessible online. Take heart; at your age, the chance of you having cancer is very slim. In the most recent stats published, 95% of new cases, and 97% of breast cancer deaths, occurred in women aged 40 and older; so the odds are definitely on your side that this is NOT cancer. Best of luck with your appointments - PJH

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By Loredanasf— Last Modified: 12/27/10, First Published: 08/31/10