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What Could The Lump In My Left Breast Be While I Am Breast Feeding My Second Child?

Posted on Tue, 23 May 2023

Question: Am a 28 yr old female with two kids first one aged 3 and half years ( had breast milk for two years ) and my second baby is 3 months old ( currently breast feeding ) . My concern is since 25th week of my 2nd pregnancy I started feeling a hard lump in my left breast. I consulted my gynaecologist and had antibiotic for one week but it increased in size. she advised me to meet a surgeon and I started taking corticosteroids ( gupisone 5 mg ) two tablets per day gradually increased to 3 and 4 tablets as advised by my surgeon. Right now the size of the lump got decreased but I want to know what actually it is and how to cure it permanently as am taking steroids since 4 months.Attached are my reports of FNA and trucut biopsy. is taking steroid ok for me and my baby?

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Steroids in this dose is harmless for you and baby. Need details about the lump.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

As you have narrated about reports in question but no attachments are found, kindly confirm the same or re-send it.

As far as steroid consumption and breast feeding is concerned, there are no reported side effects in breast feeding infants with this dose. You are also not at threat when used under strict medical supervision.

When long term use is there, theory suggests to avoid breast feeding 4 hours after taking the dose to reduce the dose received by the infant.

Regarding the lump in the breast, it seems to mostly be an inflammatory condition.

Kindly provide details for the same.
1. Lump - current size , shape , consistency.
2. Reports of FNAC and biopsy.
3. When last ultrasound of breast was taken for lump evaluation.

Awaiting your details.

Regards,
Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel
General Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (32 minutes later)

I don't know why these files are not getting attached. sorry for inconvenience

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up ultrasound is recommended to decide further curative steps.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Thanks for all details of reports.

* It is evident that this is chronic inflammation in form of mastitis ( infection of breast tissue from various reasons).
* As the steroid is being given since 4 months at present, follow up ultrasound to evaluate the internal status of current inflammation as compared to previous one is strongly recommended to decide further curative plan.

Hope this will clear your doubt. You are welcome for further assistance.

Wish you fine recovery and motherhood.
Take care.

Regards,
Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel
General Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (1 hour later)

By taking steroids am gaining weight and feeling too much exhausted. is there any way to loose weight at present? attached are my ultrasound reports.

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Continue steroid, additional antibiotics suggested.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Thanks for all sequential reports from beginning till last month.

* As per my evaluation, lump size is decreasing so you have two options :

1. Continue steroids for lump resolution which may take varying period of time
( preferred option ).
In our clinic , we recommend certain antibiotics to resolve the lump faster.

2. Discuss about need of the surgery with the surgeon ( less preferred as breast
feeding is going on ) and stop the steroids.

* So far as weight gain is concerned , stopping the drug reverse the effects after sometime. With the current medication, maintain dietary restrictions, avoid excess oily, dairy fat, non veg, junk foods and regular walking will help to control weight.

Hope this information will help you.

Regards,
Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel
General Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (40 minutes later)

is there any chance of getting back after I remove it thru surgery?

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Curable through surgery.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

The surgery removes it completely, then it does not return. In fact, a long standing mastitis lump requires surgery as the first option, but in your case, since breastfeeding is going on, I have kept it as a second option.

Regards,
Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel
General Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (18 hours later)

can I do surgery after one year so that I can feed the baby. can I stop taking steroids and go for homeopathy treatment till then?

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Surgery can be taken later on if only lump is of considerable size.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Surgery is not an emergency, it can be planned later on at your convenience once breastfeeding has stopped. At that time, if the lump is of considerable size only then it can be done.

You can shift to homeopathy medicine as well after stopping steroids, as steroids will suppress the immune system of the body which work against the recovery part to some extent.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel
General Surgeon

Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy