Forum Discussion

KatyJoy's avatar
KatyJoy
Member
9 years ago

Fat necrosis post double mastectomy

Hi everyone,
i am four weeks post double mastectomy with immediate skin sparing implant (no expanders yay!) reconstruction. I had micro mets in two lymph nodes so had an auxiliary clearance on my left (cancer affected side). I now have a very hard area at the side of my left breast under my arm which the surgeon said is fat necrosis and will probably get worse with radiotherapy which I start in a couple of weeks. Did anyone else have this? Does it eventually disperse? Is there anything I can do to help it? It is not painful as I am numb there after the surgery, at least that's a positive.
mastectomy
radiotherapy
Reconstruction
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    9 years ago
    Yep that's what made my therapist think it was fat necrosis. But it wasn't, checked out by my breast surgeon and ultrasound. Endlessly fascinating, what can go on in our bodies!! 
  • KatyJoy's avatar
    KatyJoy
    Member
    9 years ago
    That's interesting Afraser! This is very hard, like bone. I will ask the breast care nurse, thanks for your response
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    9 years ago
    I am sure your breast nurse will be able to help, but if you still have any problem you might try a lymphoedema therapist. Mine detected a lump that she thought was fat necrosis and seemed confident that she could help disperse it. It turned out to be a seroma within a seroma (think Russian dolls!!), which I won't even start on (not common!). So I didn't pursue the dispersal topic. But might be worth a follow up if no better options.
  • KatyJoy's avatar
    KatyJoy
    Member
    9 years ago
    Thanks @melclarity, @primek, yes it would be great if I remembered to ask these questions when I see the surgeon, but I always go blank when I'm there, I know, I should be writing it down lol! Calling my breast care nurse is a good idea, I will do that. Thanks Mel, it's good to know it should eventually go away. I still have a bit of swelling, but not too bad. Thanks ladies
  • melclarity's avatar
    melclarity
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hey Katyjoy,

    I havent experienced this either, though I was warned after my recent diep flap recon that most likely I will have some. Radiation will make it worse, but generally they say it resolves itself on its own that its nothing to worry about. Hugs Melinda xo
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago
    Sorry can't help but your breast care nurse might be able to explain a lot more.