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What Causes Swelling, Redness And Burning Sensation In Breast Post Lumpectomy?
Question: I had a lumpectomy 5 weeks ago for invasive ductal carcinoma. The surgeon felt that the tumor was completely removed with no cancer spreading to the lymph nodes. Since the surgery my breast is swollen and red and the nipple has a burning sensation. I was on antibiotics for 3 weeks with no change. The breast mapping shot was very painful and I am wondering if the mapping injection could have anything to do with this condition. My surgeon has never seen this before and has ordered another breast MRI..Any thoughts
Brief Answer:
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.
First of all I am very glad to hear that the surgeon was able to completely remove the tumor and that there is no evidence of metastatic disease involving the lymph nodes.
I have not seen significant reactions to the mapping procedure in my practice.it is quite unusual that the symptoms have persisted for such a long time. It is possible that you have some inflammation related to the surgery itself and that the symptoms you are experiencing are a reflection of a very slow and gradual healing process.
you might discuss taking some anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen unless your doctor has already discussed this with you.I agree that a repeat imaging procedure might be helpful to see what degree of swelling or inflammation might be involved.
If an infection is still suspected your doctor might want to take a look at the type of antibiotics you have taken in the past to see if you might need a different type of antibiotic to cover for bacteria that may have been somewhat resistant to the prior treatment.
I am not convinced, however, that this is an infection. The MRI should help to provide some more details regarding this.
In the meantime I would continue to follow your doctor's suggestions regarding local therapy including warm compresses and providing support to the affected area as well.
Thank you again for sending your question.
please feel free to touch base again with additional details or questions in the future.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.
First of all I am very glad to hear that the surgeon was able to completely remove the tumor and that there is no evidence of metastatic disease involving the lymph nodes.
I have not seen significant reactions to the mapping procedure in my practice.it is quite unusual that the symptoms have persisted for such a long time. It is possible that you have some inflammation related to the surgery itself and that the symptoms you are experiencing are a reflection of a very slow and gradual healing process.
you might discuss taking some anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen unless your doctor has already discussed this with you.I agree that a repeat imaging procedure might be helpful to see what degree of swelling or inflammation might be involved.
If an infection is still suspected your doctor might want to take a look at the type of antibiotics you have taken in the past to see if you might need a different type of antibiotic to cover for bacteria that may have been somewhat resistant to the prior treatment.
I am not convinced, however, that this is an infection. The MRI should help to provide some more details regarding this.
In the meantime I would continue to follow your doctor's suggestions regarding local therapy including warm compresses and providing support to the affected area as well.
Thank you again for sending your question.
please feel free to touch base again with additional details or questions in the future.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
What is the material used in the mapping process. I was told it contained radioactive material to track the cancer cells
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
this may very at different hospitals but usually the substance used is called technetium 99.
The main goal of this injection is to find the nearest lymph node draining the breast which is called the sentinel lymph node. Sampling of this lymph node helps your doctors identify if any cancer cellshave moved beyond the primary site.
Dr Galamaga
Followup
Detailed Answer:
this may very at different hospitals but usually the substance used is called technetium 99.
The main goal of this injection is to find the nearest lymph node draining the breast which is called the sentinel lymph node. Sampling of this lymph node helps your doctors identify if any cancer cellshave moved beyond the primary site.
Dr Galamaga
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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