Total duct excision and terrified

Hi.

About 3 months ago I discovered a lump. The size of a grape, very mobile, not overly concerned but still got seen asap. Turned out to be a cyst which has now all but gone.

During all this  I also found I had dark brown discharge only on me squeezing. Nothing at all comes out by itself. Cytology came back clear, but it was totally blood. 

Mammogram and ultrasound came back clear. Apart from showing some cysts and duct ectasia.

Surgeon is concerned there may be something hiding behind the nipple because it's only coming from a single duct.

She has recommended a total duct excision. I'm fine with this, better to be safe than sorry. Its planned for 7th June. I'm absolutely terrified they may find something, but also what my breast will look like afterwards. 

I'm very small, 32/34A and taking all the ducts away (2-3cm the surgeon told me) thats most of my breast! 

I've always been extremely self conscious of my breast size and shape, but this has really upset me. The surgeon told me if they find something then they will.remove the whole breast and lymph nodes.

Can anyone reassure me it's not as bad as I'm imagining?

  • Just wanted to wish you well.
    I happen to be the exact same bra size as you and, to be honest, I've always been really happy to have small breasts.  Much more comfortable, especially for sport.  The figure of a fashion model!

    I'm sure you are doing the right thing - health must be the priority.

    There is a helpful thread here... www.cancerresearchuk.org/.../breast-total-duct-excision-i-hope-this-helps-someone

    Very best wishes for the best outcome.

  • In 2013 I had discharge and clear mammograms and was recommended a duct removal which I had. Not wishing to alarm you, but they found a small lump of DCIS which they removed and I had radiotherapy. It was all handled very well, quickly, calmly and smoothly, so even if they do find something it may likely be something treatable and may not require the removal of the breast.  They may find nothing.

    But from an aesthetic perspective my breast was slightly smaller than the other one but not massively visibly at all and the scar was very neat and almost disappeared within a few years. You would have to look very carefully at both my breasts to notice any difference. I am slightly larger than you naturally but still very small chested! I hope that helps, good luck with it all.

  • Hello Caz

    Exactly what you have described is what I am going through just now. I found a marble sized lump, when pressed it bleeds via the nipple. I've had it aspirated, it was full of blood, and they saw a further 7mm lump (called it a tumour) in the duct. They did a biopsy which came back benign. Went back for a further exam and to discuss action and got a repeat ultrasound and the mass of blood had completely refilled to the same size which they weren't happy about. They are talking about a single duct removal but i think I'm going to push for a total duct removal. Also worried about the result. I am small chested, B cup. 
     

    Interested to hear how you got on?x

  • I've had multiple surgeries to remove ducts for duct exctasia the last one was a breast reduction removing 500 mg each side, so they could remove as many ducts as possible finally my breasts have settled down. That was 16/ years ago the ducts felt like pieces of wire l have had cysts and infections so many antibiotics. I hope your surgery goes well and solves your problems. 
    susie