Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Does Dimpling On Breast Indicate Breast Cancer?
Question: I am a 12 year breast cancer survivor. Last October I noticed my left breast was appearing to become smaller and I went to my doctor. A mammogram was ordered and results seemed to be normal and was told it could just be age related. Now, I just had another mammogram on Friday and stated that I have noticed dimpling on my left breast where I had the cancer and received the results today. Right breast is clear. Left breast, a referral is being made to a surgeon to review the findings and options? I goggled "breast cancer dimpling" and really don't like what I have been reading. How common is ILC and if dimpling seems to be the first sign of trouble, does that indicate it is early? Twelve years ago, I had a lumpectomy, then chemo and radiation for 6 weeks. Followed by Arimidex for 5 years.
Brief Answer:
you need to be evaluated
Detailed Answer:
It is not very clear but I understand that you had a breast cancer on the LEFT side 12 years ago. Again, unclear but it appears that you have had a breast conservation surgery.
At the outset we have to understand that this area is not 'virgin' meaning it is an area which has undergone surgery and radiation. Hence, any finding like dimpling or mammographic findings may be difficult to interpret.
Having understood that, any alteration in findings like dimpling in your case needs to be evaluated. It would be premature and wrong to attribute it to any pathology before evaluation; more so since it is a treated area.
One possibility is that there could be a recurrence. However, this needs to be confirmed only by your surgeon with tests. Another possibility is that it could be post treatment changes which could confound the findings.
Instead of presuming things causing unnecessary anxiety, it would be prudent to get full evaluation. Since it is 12 years post therapy, the chances of recurrence would be less but not nil. That should give you some confidence for proceeding with further tests.
you need to be evaluated
Detailed Answer:
It is not very clear but I understand that you had a breast cancer on the LEFT side 12 years ago. Again, unclear but it appears that you have had a breast conservation surgery.
At the outset we have to understand that this area is not 'virgin' meaning it is an area which has undergone surgery and radiation. Hence, any finding like dimpling or mammographic findings may be difficult to interpret.
Having understood that, any alteration in findings like dimpling in your case needs to be evaluated. It would be premature and wrong to attribute it to any pathology before evaluation; more so since it is a treated area.
One possibility is that there could be a recurrence. However, this needs to be confirmed only by your surgeon with tests. Another possibility is that it could be post treatment changes which could confound the findings.
Instead of presuming things causing unnecessary anxiety, it would be prudent to get full evaluation. Since it is 12 years post therapy, the chances of recurrence would be less but not nil. That should give you some confidence for proceeding with further tests.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
