Hard area in breast

Hi Harkness,

Thanks for your post. I see you’ve joined our breast cancer forum and I hope you’re finding this a good source of support. I’m Eileen one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan support line.

Biopsies including vacuum assisted biopsies can result in internal bleeding/bruising  in the area which is referred to as a haematoma this can present as a hard lump.

Haematoma formation is the main complication of a vacuum assisted biopsy. A haematoma will normally resolve within a few weeks as your body reabsorbs the blood/bruising.

Other complications that can result from a biopsy are swelling and infection. You haven’t mentioned whether the area is red, hot to touch, or painful but these can all be signs of infection. Infections if present may require antibiotics.

If you haven’t spoken to your Breast Cancer Nurse or Consultant at the hospital about the lump, we would suggest that you contact them to make them aware. If they have any concerns, they will review you. You can also speak to your GP if you have any difficulty getting through to your treatment team at the hospital.

I hope this helps.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch. You can speak with the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

Best wishes,

Eileen

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

Ref/ HM