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Costochondritis, recurrence risk after mastectomy and implant?

Page last modified on: August 20, 2008

Question from Maska: I had a mastectomy 9 years ago with a saline implant. I had DCIS with microinvasion and clear lymph nodes. After 9 relatively pain-free years, I'm now struggling with costochondritis, with pain under the implant and around to my back. I had an MRI and there was no sign of metastasis. Should I worry that this is a recurrence, and how can I deal with the pain?: Answer —Kristin Brill, M.D., F.A.C.S.: It's unlikely with DCIS 9 years ago that this is recurrent, but MRI is appropriate to evaluate for recurrence and also the integrity of the implants and surrounding tissues. Costochondritis is a common problem in women who have been affected by breast cancer and who have not. It acts up in a similar way to arthritis, so arthritis treatments may improve symptoms of costochondritis as well. You have the option of seeing a plastic surgeon to determine whether any alteration in the reconstruction or the implant will help.

On Wednesday, May 21, 2008, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called After Surgery: Short-term and Long-term Effects. Kristin Brill, M.D., F.A.C.S. and Linda Miller, P.T. answered your questions about short-term and long-term side effects of breast surgery, and what you can do about them.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Kristin Brill, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a breast surgeon and clinical instructor at the Thomas Jefferson University Department of Surgery in Philadelphia, PA. She also maintains a practice in Cherry Hill, N.J. Dr. Brill is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In addition, she has published breast cancer research in medical journals such as Annals of Plastic Surgery and Cancer, and she has presented research at the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Linda Miller, P.T. is the clinical director of the Breast Cancer Physical Therapy Center, LTD, a private practice serving the Philadelphia, PA and southern New Jersey areas. Linda specializes in treating post-operative complications of breast cancer surgery, including lymphedema.