Has anyone had a "pseudolump" after treatment?

[Hazel Joyce]

I had a lumpectomy (left breast, Dec. '06) and I'm finishing radiation treatments. Last weekend I discoved a lump in my left chest. I'm going for an ultrasound on Tuesday. I was re-reading Susan Love's Breast Book and she describes non-cancerous lumps that can appear due to fat cell necrosis after lumpectomy and radiation. Of course, I'm hoping that this is what I have. Has anyone here had one?

Thanks!

[Gerri]

Hazel Joyce,

I just got back from my three month checkup with my onc. I have an area above my lumpectomy scar that is round, firm and tender. She thinks I may have a seroma so I am scheduled for an ultransound next Friday. Since my annual mammogram is scheduled for November she decided to move that up too. Is your lump tender to the touch? I also noticed for about the past week that when taking a shower and the water hits that breast it stings.

[Hazel Joyce]

Hi, Gerri. My lump isn't tender or painful at all. It isn't near either of my scars, either. The waiting is awful. I'm sure that I'll get the results quickly once the test is done. I guess I'll be having a biopsy after the ultrasound.

Good luck with your tests! Keep us posted!

[Gerri]

Hazel Joyce,

Well, it looks like our symptons are a bit different, but worrisome just the same. My onc wrote the order for a mammo, ultrasound and biopsy (if needed) but she doesn't think I'll need the biopsy. I hope to get my results right away too.

Good luck!!! Hope we will both be in the clear!

[dhealey]

I had my prophylactic mastectomy on the right breast 6/18/07, 6 weeks later felt a lump near my right armpit which my onc was watching until my checkup last Tuesday lump felt larger so she ordered a ultrasound, which I had today and it showed nothing even though everyone including the radiologist can feel the lump. So for now I'm not going to worry. Best of luck to both of you!

[cafe1084]

I found a lump about 2 months back, the surgeon and the onc both felt it warranted a biopsy after a CT showed nothing. My onc was sure prior to CT that if it were something, it wouldn't show with imaging. I had the biopsy and was ecstatic when myresults came back fatty necrosis and inflammation. After the initial swelling was gone, I could still feel the lump...same size, shape, location. He had removed a fat pad just below the lump. 3 days later, I developed edema from my shoulder blade to my chest and he was unable to do anything further until that resolved....long story short, I still have the lump and I have an ultrasound scheduled before he cuts into me again for no good reason. My feeling is that it is nothing because my tumor markers have dropped by 1/2 and I feel pretty great, but we can never be too cautious. I hope everything comes back peachy for you!