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What causes thickening around lumpectomy in breast cancer?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am 39 years old, and I completed chemotherapy for stage 2B breast cancer four months ago. I just got my follow-up mammogram, and they found a thickening around the lumpectomy site. They said it could be scar tissue, but I am really unsure. Could it still be recurrence or something like post-radiation fibrosis? Also, my recent blood report showed a low WBC count of 3.4. How does that influence my risk for complications right now? I also have not gotten my periods back since chemotherapy. At At what point should I be evaluated for premature ovarian insufficiency?

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Ali Osman

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

There is a possibility that a contraceptive gel may cause recurrent UTIs (urinary tract infections).

And as you know, copper IUCD (intrauterine contraceptive device) causes complications.

Complications of copper IUCD:

  1. Spontaneous expulsion.

  2. Misplacement of IUCD.

  3. Heavy menstrual bleeding.

  4. Painful menstrual bleeding.

  5. No protection against STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).

So, the best choice for you will be to use Mirena (Levonorgestrel).

Mirena is a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) used for birth control and heavy menstrual bleeding. It is a T-shaped plastic device that releases the hormone levonorgestrel into the uterus, preventing pregnancy and potentially reducing bleeding. Mirena can be used for up to eight years for birth control and up to five years for managing heavy bleeding.

It contains LNG-IUS (Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) 52 milligrams and releases a daily dose of 20 micrograms per day into the uterine cavity. Mirena provides an effective contraceptive with a shorter, lighter, and less painful period.

Jaydess (13.5 grams Levonorgestrel):

A new LNG-IUS, which contains 13.5 milligrams and releases six to ten micrograms per day.

Kyleena (19.5 grams Levonorgestrel):

Contains 19.5mg LNG-IUS, which is released at the rate of 17.5 micrograms per day.

Lileta (18.6 micrograms Levonorgestrel):

Releases daily of 18.6 micrograms of Levonorgestrel per day.

Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her, and take the medicines with their consent.

Mechanism of action:

Thickening of cervical mucus. It inhibits fertilization and ovulation, preventing endometrial growth and causing endometrial atrophy.

Indications:

  1. Contraception for five years.

  2. Those patients have heavy menstrual bleeding.

  3. Dysmenorrhea.

  4. PMS (premenstrual syndrome).

Contraindications:

  1. Known or suspected pregnancy.

  2. Current or recurrent PID (pelvic inflammatory disease).

  3. Lower genital tract infection.

  4. Cervicitis.

  5. Endometritis.

  6. Cervical polyp.

  7. Cervical cancer.

  8. Endometrial cancer.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again if you have further queries.

Thank you.

Answered byDr. Ali Osman

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At September 12, 2025
Reviewed AtSeptember 15, 2025

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ali Osman
Dr. Ali Osman

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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