Lump in nipple of nipple sparing mastectomy

Hi!

I’m wondering whether there are others who have had a nipple sparing mastectomy that developed a lump in that nipple and it wasn’t something to be concerned about? I’m two years out from surgery and have a hard lump right in that nipple. There has been some gunky white stuff that has come out too but I think that is normal. Just not sure about the lump. I messaged my provider asking if I could get an ultrasound but they want to see me first. So I go in early November.

Thanks for any thoughts!

Comments

  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 5,288

    I think the appointment with your doctor will be your best bet for finding out what may be going on. I know it’s hard to wait but it would be very difficult for any of us to even begin to guess. Out of curiosity, why would white funky stuff to be normal? You no longer have any underlying breast tissue, ducts, or lobes and while I never encourage panic, and am not a doctor, I don’t know if I would call it normal. Likely nothing to really worry about but I’m glad you’re getting it checked out. Take care

  • abigailj
    abigailj Member Posts: 109

    I had nipple sparing and never heard of any possibility of nipple discharge after mastectomy. That said I’ve had lumps twice afterwards but mammo and sono both confirmed it was fat necrosis. Neither was by nipple though. Have you been examined by an oncologist or breast surgeon? Also wondering if cause of discharge could be dermatological? Hope this clears up soon.

  • lady2022
    lady2022 Member Posts: 11

    Thank you both! I guess I just have to wait for my appointment and waiting is just the worst. I’ll ask about the lump and the discharge.

  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 5,288

    We hear you! It truly sucks ( and I dislike the word sucks) . Take care

  • lady2022
    lady2022 Member Posts: 11

    Just a quick update! Saw my doc who messaged the breast surgeon. I also asked for an ultrasound. Had the ultrasound this week which showed a very small lump with no blood flow. Radiologist says benign epidermal/ sebaceous cyst. Had my 6mo f/u with oncologist the next day who said the ultrasound doesn’t mean much since the lump is so small. I thought all was good since there was no blood flow but onc says when lumps are that small they don’t need blood flow. Apparently could still be something and to keep an eye out for changes. And he won’t see me anymore because I said I couldn’t handle the tamoxifen and wouldn’t take it anymore. I’m 3 weeks off after taking for 2 years and still struggling with severe depression and body aches that wake me up at night. Hoping for improvement over time and sad he won’t see me now. But I guess it is what it is. The nurse from breast surgeon reached out yesterday and I see surgeon next week. Will see what she says.

  • abigailj
    abigailj Member Posts: 109

    thanks for the update and am glad to hear the lump is benign. I don’t see an oncologist either since I couldn’t handle AIs but find my primary care doctor and my gynecologist will order any needed diagnostics tests (scans, bloodwork ) to hopefully detect any abnormalities. Maybe a short term antidepressant could be helpful now? Hope your breast surgeon is able to help and that you also have a good primary care doctor and gyn.