painful lump in boob from implant or is it cancer?

[godivahair]

I have had saline under the muscle implants for 9 years. 3 years ago (around 2004) I starting having stabbing pains in the bottom side of my right boob. The pain only lasted a few seconds at a time and was sporatic. I'm in my 30's, so I do monthly self breast exams to check for lumps and never felt any lumps in that painful area at that time.

Fast forward to Oct 2007, I had severe pain in that same area and this time it is persistant. Upon a self exam I found a 1/2" smooth oblong shaped lump in the area from which the pain was coming. I was freaking out wondering if cancer had been developing there.

I had a mammogram and an ultrasound which could not even see the lump. Since those tests were not helpful to solve my problem, it was recommended that I see a general surgeon for a biopsy.

So, I had a surgical biospy in Dec 2007. As soon as the bandages came off from the biopsy, I still had the same painful lump! The general surgeon was supposed to remove it and send it in for pathology.

When I called the general surgeon the next day he was rude on the phone and told me to come back in 3 months if a lump is still there. At this point I am very worried I have a cancerous tumor. When I questioned him further, he admitted that he didn't remove the lump in question since he thought it was too close to the implant layer and did not want to risk rupturing the implant! He said there was nothing more he could do for me and advised me to see a plastic surgeon to see if my lump was scar tissue from the implant.

So this guy just removed a tiny amount normal tissue superficially above lump, he did not get the suspicious lump out at all!

I will see a plastic surgeon this week and hopefully he can help me.

I'm freaking out even more, since in that time period I started getting right arm pain and pain under my right shoulder blade.

Have any of you had painful lumps and did they turn out to be scar tissue from the implant or an actual tumor (either benign or malignant)?

I hope all you implant girls still do monthly self exams, since women are being diagnosed with breast cancer at younger and younger ages.

[avbjessup]

Originally Posted by godivahair

I have had saline under the muscle implants for 9 years. 3 years ago (around 2004) I starting having stabbing pains in the bottom side of my right boob. The pain only lasted a few seconds at a time and was sporatic. I'm in my 30's, so I do monthly self breast exams to check for lumps and never felt any lumps in that painful area at that time.

Fast forward to Oct 2007, I had severe pain in that same area and this time it is persistant. Upon a self exam I found a 1/2" smooth oblong shaped lump in the area from which the pain was coming. I was freaking out wondering if cancer had been developing there.

I had a mammogram and an ultrasound which could not even see the lump. Since those tests were not helpful to solve my problem, it was recommended that I see a general surgeon for a biopsy.

So, I had a surgical biospy in Dec 2007. As soon as the bandages came off from the biopsy, I still had the same painful lump! The general surgeon was supposed to remove it and send it in for pathology.

When I called the general surgeon the next day he was rude on the phone and told me to come back in 3 months if a lump is still there. At this point I am very worried I have a cancerous tumor. When I questioned him further, he admitted that he didn't remove the lump in question since he thought it was too close to the implant layer and did not want to risk rupturing the implant! He said there was nothing more he could do for me and advised me to see a plastic surgeon to see if my lump was scar tissue from the implant.

So this guy just removed a tiny amount normal tissue superficially above lump, he did not get the suspicious lump out at all!

I will see a plastic surgeon this week and hopefully he can help me.

I'm freaking out even more, since in that time period I started getting right arm pain and pain under my right shoulder blade.

Have any of you had painful lumps and did they turn out to be scar tissue from the implant or an actual tumor (either benign or malignant)?

I hope all you implant girls still do monthly self exams, since women are being diagnosed with breast cancer at younger and younger ages.

Wow! That all sounds scary! Did the surgeon send in the biopsy sample? Please get another biopsy and keep us posted!! I will be saying prayers and sending good thoughts your way!

[Kooki]

That is so scary, my heart goes out to you, as I too have had lumps on my breast pre BA.

Don't mean to change the subject a little, but with silicone can you feel if there is a lump. I have had lumps removed with biopsy and with surgery pre BA. Both were just fatty tissue. But I'm a little scared that with my BA I wont be able to feel a lump if there is one there. Does that make sense?

[tonton]

I had a small lump in my lefty pre BA. It was checked a few years ago and was just tissue. I can still clearly feel it over my implant.

[calisurfgurl]

I think for your own peace of mind and safety you should consult another doctor. It could be nothing to worry about or it could be something you need to watch or follow up on. Digital MRI's can show more detail and are used alot with women with implants but mainly you need to go to a doctor who understands and respects you have a real pain and need real answers...and someone who will help you to understand what is going on. I started feeling pain after 7 years but couldn't feel a lump and felt the same fears - mine turned out to be the implant shifting and hitting nerves but my pain was real and intense...and at first I was so afraid of what it might be that I didn't want to even call a doctor. If I were you I'd call a new doctor and tell them your recent bad experience in looking for answers- it might make them a little more willing to get to the bottom of it for you and help you understand what is happening. Good luck.

www.justbreastimplants.com/DeWire/

[Slinky]

Godiva,

I found a site that describes different types of breast biopsies. They don't all require removal of the lump and maybe one of these would work better for you? You absolutely have to see another doctor, one that is more interested in your health than the uncaring, rude surgeon that you saw. I don't understand how a doctor, who is supposed to be in the business of health, could treat a patient like that. I could go on and on, but that's not the point. Here's the website I found. I hope it helps you. Please let us know what you decide to go from here.
http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/guide/breast-biopsy

Slinky

[angiedee]

Please get another opinion -- seeing the ps is good, but following up with another facility to get better views on your mammogram/ultrasound would be a good idea. I personally (me being a pushy person) would also ask for the notes from my file, so you could see what was documented. You'd be surprised.

One thing my doc told me a few years ago when I was having breast pain... she said cancer usually doesn't "hurt". Let us know how you are.

[Ivy]

Wow!

Please let us know what your plastic surgeon says. I personally think you need to see another gynecologist and see what the lump actually is... I also think you need to be very clear about not caring if the implant ruptures or not. Implants can be replaced, you cant be.

[FullerBreasts]

I work with radiologists all day and scan breasts by ultrasound and compare with mammo's.....From what I have been told, most breast cancers are not painful. I always thought that sounded weird but it apparently is true. I had some lumps pre ba that were quite painful and when I asked a couple of docs about it they said the chances of it being malignant were slim just by the symptom of having pain....they say it is silent and will slowly grow larger if it is malignant. That what I think is the scariest part. I would definitely keep seeing a doctor(s) until you feel better/more comfortable. MY painful lumps were cysts (too much caffeine).

[Storm]

I have a client that just went through this.
They went in and removed the lump. They said a biopsy with her if was cancer when they pulled the needle out could leave some cells in a different area and it could spread.

The lump was cancer. Then they did radiation to the areas to make sure with the biopsy that no cells were moved and this would not come back..

Get checked again . Hopefully with someone who gives a dam. The surgeon seemed like a Jerk..

May i add that my sis gets cysts in hers. So far they have not been cancerous..
Just to ease your mind some.