Unusual Bulge Around Lymph Node Biopsy Scar?

Yes, same build here. My doc did ultrasound and mri and they want my to biopsy to confirm it’s scar tissue (which is the assumption).

I have learned that it is not uncommon for scars to adhere to the tissues below, scar therapy, such as special scar massage can break down this type of scar tissue and release the scar.

I got the bulge as well

How are you treating the bulge Betsy? I booked 4 appointments with an occupational therapist that does scar massage and scar therapy with suction cups

I'm 30 days post op lumpectomy and 5 nodes removed. The pain under my arm is awful. I have no feeling under my arm except where the incision is and down the side of my left breast. It feels like road rash and nothing sooths the pain even though I am on Pain Management for back injury my pain meds don't help the underarm pain. I can't raise my arm up or down and I think I'm getting Lymphoedema in my arm. I go for Radiation setup this Friday.

Hi DeeDee. Sorry to hear this. I’m still in pain too 5 weeks after but slowly getting better. Are you on gabapentin? Supposed to help with nerve pain. They also gave me exercises to do to help with mobility and also getting better although not back to baseline yet. Sounds like probably need to see physical therapist to help get your mobility back if not already seeing them.

I can't take gabapentin. I've tried it in the past and it gives me the heebie-jeebies. My oncologist put in a referral for a lymphedemist to check my arm and give me exercises so hopefully that will work

Hello, I also noticed the bulge and thought it was extra weight that I gained during all of this. It's the scar and lymphedema as well. I've had lymphedema therapy, and it helped a bit. Now I do the massage myself at home. I think it's the way they do the surgery. They should do better. We are already going through enough.

I agree with you. The bulge is related on how/where the surgeon places the scar. It depends on the skill of the surgeon. My surgeon was not great

For me, the nerve pain that feels like road rash slowed down about three months post surgery. A small pillow placed under the arm relieved most of the pain during that time. I still feel numb in my underarm area six months post surgery. Physical therapy showed me massage techniques and lifestyle hacks to minimize lymphedema. I also received a special pillow to loosen up the scar tissue around the incision. Good luck

Changes around biopsy scars can vary from person to person, and what you're describing with the bulging around the dent sounds understandably concerning. It would be worth discussing this with your surgical team or oncologist, as they can properly evaluate the area and determine if this is part of normal healing or something that needs attention.