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What Causes Distortion In The Breast?

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Posted on Sat, 7 May 2016
Question: My wife had a mammogram last week and they informed her today that they found some distortion in the breast that she had a tumor removed from 4 years ago. They want her to come back in to do another mammogram and ultrasound.
Her last mammogram and ultrasound was last April and all was fine.
What could be causing the distortion?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Considerations

Detailed Answer:
Hello & thank you for submitting your question to HCM.

It is difficult to say what is causing the "distortion" without the exact diagnostic findings from the mammogram.

However, distortion in the breast may be due to several causes including scar tissue formation, inflammation, cyst formation or growth. The ultrasound will hopefully give more detailed information about the nature of the distortion (such as mass vs. cyst).

It will be very important to follow up with the additional imaging studies. A re-biopsy may also be considered depending on the findings. I know it is very difficult to wait for this information, however the findings of additional imaging will help further characterize the process and hopefully clarify what the next steps will be.

Sincerely,
Dr Galamaga
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (15 minutes later)
If it turns out to be cancer, would it be considered early stage cancer since this distortion did not show up during her mammogram and ultrasound last April 2015?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (1 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

This may be considered an early stage recurrence if a biopsy proves that cancer is present. A full staging evaluation would likely be done by the oncologist of recurrent cancer is noted to rule out presence of cancer elsewhere in the body.


Thanks again for the question. Based on the findings of the ultrasound, her oncologist will decide the next logical step in management.

Sincerely,

Dr Galamaga
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (44 hours later)
My wife had another mammogram and ultrasound yesterday and it turned out to be scar tissue from her lumpectomy from four years ago. all is good.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (51 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
That is wonderful news.
Thank you for the update.

Wishing you all the best and continued good health.

Sincerely,

Dr Galamaga
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Robert Galamaga

Oncologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 2635 Questions

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What Causes Distortion In The Breast?

Brief Answer: Considerations Detailed Answer: Hello & thank you for submitting your question to HCM. It is difficult to say what is causing the "distortion" without the exact diagnostic findings from the mammogram. However, distortion in the breast may be due to several causes including scar tissue formation, inflammation, cyst formation or growth. The ultrasound will hopefully give more detailed information about the nature of the distortion (such as mass vs. cyst). It will be very important to follow up with the additional imaging studies. A re-biopsy may also be considered depending on the findings. I know it is very difficult to wait for this information, however the findings of additional imaging will help further characterize the process and hopefully clarify what the next steps will be. Sincerely, Dr Galamaga