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Large Lump Above Left Breast, X-ray Shows Wear In Shoulder Joint. Bilateral Breast Cancer Before. Cancer?
Had bilaterial breast cancer 6 and half years ago - no problems, had an infection which took me to bed for abourt 5 days, then I found a large lump above my left breat between collier bone & shoulder , xray have shown wear in the shoulder joint but it did not show what the lump is, I am very worried have appointment next week
posted on
Sun, 11 Nov 2012
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 16 Nov 2012
Answered on
Fri, 16 Nov 2012
Last reviewed on
Hi Carol
Dont worry. You should definitely take up that appointment. Did you undergo mastectomy ( complete removal of the breast) or only a lumpectomy (Breast conservation for your left sided breast. Since you mentioned a large lump, you could possibly have a local recurrence ( which an X-ray would not show)
My advice
1- Histological confirmation (Biopsy or FNAC) from the lump to know what exactly it is (most important)
2- CT scan would also be helpful initially to find out the radiological nature of the lump
3- If the previous surgery was a breast conserving surgery (ie breast has not been totally removed) then a mammogram is required
4- Further test would possibly be dependant on the results of these
Hope you are satisfied. Dont miss your appointment
Dr Edison
Dont worry. You should definitely take up that appointment. Did you undergo mastectomy ( complete removal of the breast) or only a lumpectomy (Breast conservation for your left sided breast. Since you mentioned a large lump, you could possibly have a local recurrence ( which an X-ray would not show)
My advice
1- Histological confirmation (Biopsy or FNAC) from the lump to know what exactly it is (most important)
2- CT scan would also be helpful initially to find out the radiological nature of the lump
3- If the previous surgery was a breast conserving surgery (ie breast has not been totally removed) then a mammogram is required
4- Further test would possibly be dependant on the results of these
Hope you are satisfied. Dont miss your appointment
Dr Edison
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Hello, Welcome to HCM,
From the history you told it can be said that there is presence of a tumor. But, investigations should be done to rule out any metastasis. For this reason, you must consult with your treating doctor for ordering a fine needle aspiration cytology from that particular swelling. If required, Ultrasound guidance can also be taken.
See what happens. Best of luck.
From the history you told it can be said that there is presence of a tumor. But, investigations should be done to rule out any metastasis. For this reason, you must consult with your treating doctor for ordering a fine needle aspiration cytology from that particular swelling. If required, Ultrasound guidance can also be taken.
See what happens. Best of luck.
I find this answer helpful
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