Breast clinic consultation.

[lucylocks]

Hi

A month ago I posted as I was concerned about a small hard lump I found on top of my breast implant.

Just wanted to let everyone who replied the outcome of my consultation at the breast clinic today.

The consultant examined me and thought the lump was a stitch where the implant had been stitched into the muscle, but on the scan it showed it was in fact a crease in the shell of the implant. The scan also showed another small lump which was a stitch.

They also found a lot of calcification on the scar tissue which they said is normal on old scars.

I obviously felt relieved, but I have just researched the calcification on the internet and found it can be very early signs of breast cancer in some cases, so a biopsy is advisable. The consultant did not suggest this.

I now feel a little anxious and am left wondering if in fact the calcification is nothing to worry about.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Thank you.

[BklynCatwoman]

So relieved to hear this! I believe that's a different kind of calcification--one calcification is formed as a reaction to the stitches, like barnacles on a stone in the sea. The other is formed internally. But if that worries you, ask your health professional about it.

I had to have my tissue expander removed and also feel "lumps" along the incision. The skin isn't smooth. My breast said this is just scar tissue.

[lucylocks in reply to BklynCatwoman]

Many thanks for your reply, it is reassuring.

I have been going over what the Consultant said and he did say the calcification is along the scar tissue. My husband just said that I did ask the consultant if there was any cancer and he said no.

I always tend to go over what was said then end up getting totally confused.

I really need to stop worrying.

Sorry to hear you had to have your expander removed.

As I had radiotherapy the consultant said the expander and implant would not be allowed now, but I had mine done fourteen years ago.

I wish you good health.

Best wishes.

[BklynCatwoman in reply to lucylocks]

Thank you for your good wishes! I also wish you continued good health.

I never had the nerve to try reconstruction again but it was such a relief to get the expander out after a terrible infection, I never missed it or regretted my decision. Instead, I got a tattoo over the scar which I'm very happy with.

Long may we wave!

[lucylocks in reply to BklynCatwoman]

Thank you.

The Consultant said the expanders do not work very well and can cause a lot of problems. He did say I could have it removed if I want to but I do not want to go through an operation if I do not need to.

Wow a tattoo, now that is a one way to disguise the scar, good for you.

[BklynCatwoman]

If the expanders aren't bothering you, I wouldn't worry about them. I thought they exchanged the tissue expanders for the implants--though. But I never got that far. I got an infection soon after my mastectomy and they removed the expander a month later. I was so relieved when they did!

In case you're curious, here's a link to an article I did about getting my tattoo: ravishly.com/2015/02/04/wak...

[Jhordynn in reply to BklynCatwoman]

I loved the tattoo, better yet I'm glad you love it.

Take care,

Terissa

[BklynCatwoman in reply to Jhordynn]

Thank you!

[lucylocks]

My expander was of the type that can be left in (I think it is silicone) and then filled with saline solution.

Just had a look at the link, not sure if I would be brave enough to have a tattoo, but it does look cool.

So pleases you are happy with it.

[LeslieVa]

First question did you have radiation treatment to the breast with the implant. If that answer is yes there is a high chance of scar tissue collecting around the implant. I am not sure if the calculation are considered scar tissue. Are the calcifications close the the implant. Usually calcification floating in beast tissue are watches closely. It may be very difficult to get a biopsy that close to your implant.

[lucylocks]

Many thanks for your reply.

Yes I did have radiation treatment after my mastectomy. The implant was put in ten years later as the Consultant at the time said the skin was good and would take an expander, which was then filled with saline solution.

The calcification is on the scar where the implant was stitched to the muscle.

There was no mention of a biopsy yesterday.

[Epinto]

Never trust one opinion. If u feel uncomfortable with the information, take your films and whatever u have to another physician for a second opinion. Always take charge of your own health!

[lucylocks in reply to Epinto]

Thank you for your reply,

I do not have any films, I am in the U.K. and NHS keep all scans etc.

I will speak to my doctor or nurse, thank you.

[Susan1953]

Lucy, please follow up on the calcification and scar tissue. I had ruptured implants and had them removed. The surgeon found 2 tumors and removed 7 lymph nodes that were all positive for BC. My 3D mammagram was normal 5 months prior to having this surgery. I had never had BC before and now have Stage 4 with bone mets!! The tumors were not palpable by me or the surgeon so it was a surprise. You should have an ultrasound of your breast, PET scan or MRI.

[lucylocks]

Hi

many thanks for your reply,

My implant was different to yours. I had a mastectomy 24 years ago, and the implant was put in ten year afterwards.

I did have an ultrasound. The calcification is along the scar tissue where the implant was stitched to the muscle.

I do not have any breast tissue left. I was concerned if the calcification was normal. The consultant said it was, but I do worry.

Sorry you are having so many problems, I do hope you get them sorted.

As I say my breast cancer was 24 years ago, so it may give you some hope and encouragement.

Good health and best wishes.