Anyone ever had a large, hard lump in breast after Lumpectomy surgery?

Posted by mchler73 @mchler73, Sep 4, 2023

I had Lumpectomy surgery on 8/1/23 and sentinel node biopsy surgery on 8/28/23 and recently I felt a large, hard lump (almost has a rubbery feeling to it) to the right of my lumpectomy scar. It seems to be getting bigger and shifting to the right. Anyone ever had this happen?
Thanks!

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@mchler73 The radiologist took a second look at my MRI, Aug 2025, and said they are not seeing anything concerning where I’m feeling a rubbery lump. It is thought to be from the last surgery - it is near the suture line but floats under the skin, feels tethered to something inside to me. Its the location i find worrisome as it is below, not under, the aureola. But they did open up the entire anchor suture line, i did not realize they would need to cut open so much. And its very possible that this area already had surgery trauma damage and more surgery left more internal scarring. I trust the radiologist, this is at MD Anderson breast radiology so they’re pretty familiar with what they're looking at. But a lump is a lump is a lump - establishing stability (not growing) is the important thing, and that means waiting for the next scan. Sigh!

However, they have scheduled me for an MRI and a 3D mammogram and an ultrasound at my next follow up in May. I think thats because the seroma on the lateral scar line doesn't show up well on the mammogram. I’m glad they’re doing an ultrasound as that could possibly do a better job of finding a lesion that might be hiding near any internal scar. I think one of the issues is that any scar can have a blood supply during the scar healing process - and any area with a blood supply can feed a cancer cell lurking by.

Most days I set this all aside with the knowledge that I’m getting good care, that I trust.
But evry once in a while, what I call Pandora’s Box pops open and the ugly escapes. I re-assess the ugly, remind myself of my decisions, and stuff it back in the box.

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@triciaot So sorry you are experiencing stress of the rubbery lump. It must be disconcerting.

It seems like you are excellent at follow up and prudently following up with your physicians. . As an added option, could you request the MRI and 3 D mammogram now or as soon as possible rather than May?

If you are interested, The Social Work MSW team and Psychologists at MD Anderson will offer Stress Management and possibly integrative approaches meditation or guided imagery or similar in order to manage the stress which can be difficult to experience following your surgery.

Your Pandora’s Box has a positive side 🙂 : It reflects adaptive, thoughtful and prudent self monitoring to ensure you receive appropriate excellent care and follow up.

Very glad your team at Texas MD has been responsive in scheduling follow up to your prudent concerns.

Best ,

Susan

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