CommunitiesSurgery and RecoveryIs Skin Hardening After Breast Cancer Treatment a Sign of Recurrence?

Is Skin Hardening After Breast Cancer Treatment a Sign of Recurrence?

LI

Community Member

a year ago

I had lumpectomy and radiation late last year and now have hard leathery patch of skin and nipple changes. Could that be a sign of recurrence?

2
7 comments
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accepted answer

Accepted Answer

Changes in skin texture and appearance after radiation treatment can be concerning and understandably raise questions about what's happening with your recovery. These symptoms are worth discussing with your medical team right away, as they can help determine whether this is related to your previous treatment or if further evaluation is needed. Many others in this community have navigated similar post-treatment changes, and sharing your experience here can help connect you with their insights and support during this uncertain time.

3+ patients found this helpful

SM

Community Member

6 months ago

It sounds more like radiation side effect to me. I have not started my radiation yet, but from what I’ve read that’s what it sounds like to me. I would of course still ask your oncologist about it.

PE

Community Member

6 months ago

Linda I would definitely talk to your doctor about that. I had radiation and no reactions after . Mine was a year and a half ago. I definitely can’t answer that only a doctor can. God Bless and stay strong 💪

LI

Community Member

6 months ago

Peggy, thank you

JD

Community Member

6 months ago

Thank you for posting the question. I have noticed the same thing. I had reconstruction with a reduction immediately after my lumpectomy and after healing had 25 radiation treatments that I finished the middle of June. Recently, I have noticed those kind of changes as well. Wondered if the tissue was “dead”.

1
LI

Community Member

6 months ago

Also recently I have a strange body odor. I am concerned that the cancer is back

JU

Community Member

6 months ago

Linda, my body odor really changed when I started AI’s. Not in a good way. It changed back when I stopped taking them

CA

Community Member

2 months ago

Changes in skin texture and appearance after radiation treatment can be concerning and understandably raise questions about what's happening with your recovery. These symptoms are worth discussing with your medical team right away, as they can help determine whether this is related to your previous treatment or if further evaluation is needed. Many others in this community have navigated similar post-treatment changes, and sharing your experience here can help connect you with their insights and support during this uncertain time.

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