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What Can Be Done About Lumps In Both Breasts, Armpit Area And The Left Side Of The Abdomen Of An Elderly Women?

Posted on Tue, 18 Jan 2022

Question: Hello, I have an 82 year old mother who refuses to see a doctor. I believe she has some form of cancer, possible breast. She had a red area under the left breast that started to spread about 3 months ago. Since then she developed lumps in both breasts and armpit area. She can also feel a lump on the left side of her abdomen and left groin area. I also have a photo. Please let me know your opinion, she won't see a doctor. Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. This looks like cancer

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I have seen the image. So it looks like a stage 4 breast cancer. However, even at this stage we can can offer her some treatment which will add to her quality and quantity of life. Please persuade her for below mention investigations:
PetCT
biopsy
ER PR HEr2 neu
It is possible that after these tests, she may be eligible for hormonal tablets which can control the cancer without any side effects.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (19 minutes later)

I'm just so confused about how this is stage 4. She swears all these changes just occurred over the last 3 months. Can you explain the tests and what a hormone tablet would do? She says she doesn't want treatment even if it is breast cancer or skin cancer. That's so much for all the advice.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. She has skin nodules

Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear. So a cancer which has gone to opposite breast and also producing skin nodules will be a stage 4.
PET CT scan is required to know in which areas of body it has spread
Biopsy to confirm the diagnosis
ER PR HER2 are special tests on biopsy tissue to determine what form of therapy will be appropriate for her.
IF ER PR comes positive then hormone tablet can be given . It will shrink the tumor.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (36 minutes later)

How long would it have taken to get to this stage? Could this really have happened over 3 months? She does not want treatment. How can I care for her at home and keep her comfortable? What about the lump in stomach and groin? Also, she has developed some diarrhea. Thank you for all the help. Anything else you can think of that would assist me would be appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. It is more than 3 months old

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear.

So it is more than 3 months old disease which went undetected earlier. If she doesn't want to go to the doctor, then you can meet the doctor and start on hormonal tablets if the doctor agrees. Besides that, pain killers cam be given to relieve pain.

Lump in abdomen and groin can be the part of the same illness.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D