Dr. Sanap Sneha Umrao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am a 38-year-old woman. Ten years ago, I had a double nipple-sparing mastectomy and submuscular breast implants which looked great. My mother had triple-negative breast cancer and I wanted to avoid the risk of having it myself. I was never tested for BRCA mutations. I never had any problems with my implants or breasts.
Six weeks back, I suddenly started noticing an area close to the sternum where the breast implant inserts into the muscle is very sensitive to touch and it feels like a pinched nerve that only shoots when I touch it. The sensitive area is approximately around 5 inches or so. It is very tiny. It does not hurt unless I touch it.
I kept palpating it very carefully and even contracted the pectoral muscle so that I could feel any irregularity, but I could not appreciate any particular worrisome lump or anything like that. Since I have no breast tissue left, it is very easy for me to identify even the smallest changes (I can easily feel stuff that is around 0.07 to 0.11 inches small). I can also feel the ribs where they insert into the sternum and there is no difference there either.
I wonder if this could be a pinched nerve. I am a hypochondriac and worry too much. I am 100 % sure that there is no unusual lump there. It just feels like a tissue in a normal breast, but the triggering painful sensation that I feel when I touch one particular area feels different from normal.
Other than that, both breasts look and feel normal, and everything else is normal, including the axillary lymph nodes, etc. I am 100 % sure that this sensitive area was not present till two months back since I check my breasts regularly and contract my pectorals. When I do so, I can feel everything to be normal.
Please let me know your opinion.
Thank you so much.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and I can understand your concern.
As per your description, you do not have a family history of breast cancer or endometrial cancer, so there is no need to do BRCA (breast cancer) test unless there are major symptoms that denote breast cancer. And according to your description, nothing seems to indicate breast cancer. The pain that you are experiencing could be because of the mild displacement of the implant. You should regularly do a self-breast examination, and look for any lumps, discoloration, or discharge from the nipples. Compare both breasts if you notice any abnormality. If so, then you should consult a surgeon or a gynecologist to get it examined and see whether there is any abnormality or not.
After the age of 35, you should do mammography every five years to detect any pre-cancerous condition so that if there is any precancerous condition, you can treat it before it gets more complicated. May I know how many children you have? Are you on any birth control pills or have you taken any such pills in the past?
Thank you for your trust in me.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
I do have a family history of breast cancer. My mother had breast cancer when she was 52, which is why I had the prophylactic mastectomy and implants done. But indeed, I have not tested for BRCA. I have two children and I am not on any contraceptive pills. We use condoms, and I am certain that I am not pregnant. I will follow this area carefully and if I ever feel any lump or anything unusual, I will go to a doctor to investigate. Can I still take mammograms since I had a double mastectomy and implants? Kindly help.
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Glad to have you back.
If you had a complete mastectomy without leaving behind any flap or breast implants, then you do not need to do a mammography. After the prophylactic mastectomy and implantation procedure, the risk of breast cancer decreases by more than 90 %. If you notice any abnormality, only then do a BRCA test. As you have a risk of breast cancer due to a family history, you should avoid taking oral contraceptive pills. You must also refrain from smoking (if any) and avoid a high-fat diet. I suggest you follow a high-fiber diet.
I hope this information helps you. Do get back if you have any further queries.
Thank you.
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Related Questions
Breast Cancer Recurrence: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factor, and Prevention
Ultrasound after chemotherapy for mastectomy showed white liver. Should I worry?
Had odd reaction with breast implants. What is your suggestion for new one?
Breast Implant Associated Cancer - Symptoms, Risk, and Treatment
Benefits of Exercise After Mastectomy
Breast Cancer Screening: How and When to Begin
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
