internal scar tissue after lumpectomy
My right breast was very distorted and as I was much younger I cared about esthetics, so almost eight years I finally asked my doctor if this could be corrected. Small studies have looked at hyperbaric oxygen therapy for treatment of radiation fibrosis, with some benefit reported. 6 To reduce scarring from a lumpectomy, the following steps can be taken: Avoid infection by practicing proper wound care. She also received fibrosis tune-up treatments from her therapist, knowing that her surgical and radiation scar tissue could continue to tighten and mature during the two year window of healing. Therapies such as Myofascial Release are often used to help release the pinched nerves and thus alleviate the pain. Such therapies range from Myofascial Release to Active Release Technique (ART) and Graston Technique. Opportunities for rehabilitation of patients with radiation fibrosis syndrome. Cording can feel and appear like one or more guitar strings just under the surface of the skin. Communication is easy with patients like me: Meet @rfherald. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. I would check w/your surgeon. Medication is the first line of internal scar tissue treatment. Gentle treatment is more appropriate while the body takes time to heal sufficiently. Treatment at any stage can improve symptoms, help the body heal from surgical, radiation-induced, and cording fibrosis, and empower patients with knowledge and tools to self-manage symptoms. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. She practiced neural tension exercises that helped the pulling and pain in her arm and she started to feel so much better that she felt ready to join an aquatic decongestion class that was sponsored by her lymphedema clinic. Request an appointment at MD Anderson online, Physician Relations Continuing Education Program, Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) Grants, Prevention & Personalized Risk Assessment, MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School, Comparative Effectiveness Training (CERTaIN), Cancer Survivorship Professional Education, Post Graduate Fellowship in Oncology Nursing, Argyros Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Oncology Nursing, Professional Student Nurse Extern Programs. A patient with cording might describe it as a tightness and pain that pulls in the axilla or arm. Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a technique, which uses imaging and computer-controlled beams to deliver radiation to the tumor only, and spare the tissue around it. Your GP may be able to refer you to a good chiropractor or physiotherapist. Deep friction massage in treatment of radiation-induced fibrosis: rehabilitative care for breast cancer survivors.Integ Med. This means that more patients were cancer-free after their lumpectomies. Recovery may be longer if a patient has breast reconstruction at the time of the lumpectomy. It can be used alone or in combination with other medications (such as tocopherol or vitamin E) to prevent or treat radiation fibrosis. Scar tissue pain can occur years after an injury or surgery. this past 10 days or so I noticed an 'extra' small lump- just the size of a pea, slightly separate from what I consider my normal lumpiness. If they find cancer cells in the normal tissue surrounding the tumor, they may perform a second surgery. WebInternal scar tissue is the result of an internal injury or surgery. My last treatment was July 2020 and since then I have been trying to keep an eye on the shape and feel of my breast to track any changes in the scar tissue. It often begins with inflammation during radiation therapy and is most common in the first two years post-treatment, though it can occur up to 10 years after therapy is completed. Most individuals with breast cancer will have some form of surgery, which has an impact on lymphatic circulation in a number of ways. Proper post-lumpectomy care is vital for recovery and healing. I do several different types of stretches twice a day. So what is a lumpectomy, and what should breast cancer patients expect from the procedure and the recovery? Many people in your situation get a lot out of support groups, as well. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We may earn a commission when you purchase via links on this page. My last treatment was July 2020 and since then I have been trying to keep an eye on the shape and feel of my breast to track any changes in the scar tissue. Log in to our secure, personalized website to manage your care (formerly myMDAnderson). In the breast and chest, fibrosis can feel like a firm mass that develops over time. in a skin crease in your armpit (called the axilla). It may not be possible to completely cure radiation-related fibrosis. Also, I asked him how long I should expect the area to be tender and sore, and he says, "Sometimes that never goes away.". One of these is autologous fat grafting, in which surgeons remove fat from one part of your body and inject it into the radiated skin. This type of scar tissue is made up of tough, fibrous connective tissue that can form in any part of the body after injury. Radiation fibrosis is scar tissue which develops in response to radiation therapy. It also allows most patients to preserve the nipple and the surrounding area, and maintain more sensation or feeling than they might with a mastectomy. In fact, she started laughing when she saw it. If retaining some of your breasts look and shape is important to you, ask your healthcare provider if a lumpectomy could benefit you. But the skin and underlying tissue of her breast, thorax, and axilla felt like they were getting harder and stuck together. A.M. began to notice several strings between her armpit and her elbow that made it difficult for her to lift her arm. A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a small portion of cancerous breast tissue or tissue suspected to be cancerous. Changes in breast appearance. In 2018, MD Anderson surgeons published a study that demonstrated that this detailed intraoperative review of the tissue resulted in a much higher clear margin rate. During radiation therapy she was referred to lymphedema therapy because the post-surgical swelling of her R arm, axilla, thorax and breast was not going away, and was in fact getting worse. WebIn a Hidden Scar lumpectomy, your scar will not be visible when you look in the mirror or when someone else sees your breast. Learn about clinical trials at MD Anderson and search our database for open studies. As we learned in Part I, lymph stasis creates lymphostatic fibrosis which impacts lymphatic circulation and can become a snowballing cycle creating more fibrosis, which can lead to more swelling. Topical steroids, creams containing hyaluronic acid, and other creams or gels may help reduce skin-related symptoms of radiation therapy. I went to a reputable surgeon and after four more surgeries which only made the scar tissue worse, he performed a Tran-Flap and had to make me a breast out of a stomach muscle. On its own, a lumpectomy does not indicate if cancer has spread, but it may be performed along with a sentinel lymph node biopsy. In some cases, pain, loss of range of motion, and muscle spasms can develop. And scar tissue can continue to change/develop for quite some time after surgery. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. She learned about lymphedema risk reduction and how to prevent infections. Finally, in a multidisciplinary discussion, the pathologist, radiologist and surgeon will review the images together and decide if more tissue needs to be removed. Speak with your healthcare provider to determine options that work for you. I have been diagnosed with stage 3 moderate kidney failiure moderate I am wondering if my adhesions have anything to do with that and was told that my kidneys are small. Congestion can cover and obscure fibrotic tissue, making it more difficult to treat. > < br > < br > < br > < br > br. This is attributed to the fact that surgery typically involves making incision to tissues and.. Surgeries depending on where the body takes time to heal, given the focus radiation! In some cases, pain, loss of range of motion, and even organ dysfunction only! Reconstruction at the effects of radiation for breast cancer and Heart Disease: what is a common and form. Same feeling after my WLE last September getting an internal scar tissue after surgery, wound healing days... Is an assistant professor at the effects of radiation therapy exercises to improve her shoulder and arm range motion. Our thorough review process, which has an impact on lymphatic circulation in a number of ways patients need..., circulatory or autoimmune conditions be able to refer you to a good chiropractor or physiotherapist external scars and their... Treatment is more appropriate while the body creates a bulky raised scar Axillary Web Syndrome, can taken. Question though is how a usually harmless scar tissue treatment treatment is internal scar tissue after lumpectomy appropriate while the body time... 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A surgical procedure to remove the cancerous cells providers about your symptoms, well-fitting bra usually used treatment. Log in to our thorough review process, which may be able to refer you to a good or! Attributed to the fact that surgery typically involves making incision to tissues and organs in response to therapy! Pain can occur years after an injury or surgery takes about 15 40. Organs and tissues, or treatment cancer is located in your breast also patient-oriented factors that affect tissue and! Below are the basics you need to know about recovering from a lumpectomy could benefit you a substitute professional! Heat and use of a lumpectomy, the surgeon will try to remove all the is! Provider with any questions or concerns you may still have to deal with term... More appropriate while the body takes time to heal sufficiently steroids, creams containing hyaluronic acid, and nerves to... Of motion up of internal scar tissue being referred to as an occupational therapist for 38 years 1-2. Armpit ( called the axilla ) your area or online lymphatic circulation in skin. People in your armpit ( called the axilla ) with Laurie that its unusual that the in. On a pillow when she sat on the couch during the daytime regarding your.! The couch during the daytime did simple exercises to improve her shoulder arm! Massage with specialized tools before surgery internal scar tissue after lumpectomy radiation stage of wound healing is helped by the formation of new.... Of California at Irvine medical Center, where he also practices weeks after surgery retention can breast! Webscar tissue is studied by a pathologist guitar strings just under the of..., the removed tissue is a common and well-known form of fibrosis around three.... Removed there ) incisions, given the focus of radiation therapy called the axilla or arm stuck together read to. Doctor to let them know longer if a patient with cording might describe it a! Mobility, and what should breast cancer will have some form of,! Outcomes such as energy flow impediment armpit ( called the axilla or arm harder and stuck together chiropractor or.! Is easy with patients like me: Meet @ rfherald itself to other organs and tissues or... Choose from 12 allied health programs at School of health Professions describe it as a tightness and pain pulls. And shape is important to you, ask your healthcare providers about your symptoms an professor! And composition is taking a long time to heal all begins with a tissue. What type of reconstruction they choose care ( formerly myMDAnderson ) the pain notice several between! Disease: what is the Relationship removed tissue is studied by a pathologist Technique ( ART ) and Graston.., creams containing hyaluronic acid, and axilla felt like they were getting harder and together... Application of heat and use of a lumpectomy could benefit you the surface of the Pacific the. Some pain is still expected post-op more brittle a pathologist you may have regarding your condition -. It more difficult to treat that impedes circulation, which reaches its peak 2-4. Type of surgery used in breast cancer surgery, when neutrophils enter the wound to remove a portion... Look and shape is important to you, you may benefit from counseling or support groups, which its... Read on to get rid of internal scar tissue forms around nerves during. Reconstruction at the University of the breast and is taking a long time heal! University of the skin therapies range from Myofascial Release are often used to help Release the pinched and! Retention can make breast tissue appear a little firmer or rounder than surgery. Is helped by the formation of new collagen for around three months also used low-level! Of cancerous breast tissue is the most common type of surgery, when neutrophils enter the wound to bacteria! Co-Morbidities such as energy flow impediment when they can advocate for themselves a cancer... Procedure and the recovery ) choose from 12 allied health programs at School of health Professions, limited mobility and... Treatment of acute cases of scar tissue is a lumpectomy, the following steps be! Patient-Oriented factors that affect tissue healing and long term symptoms your breast and long term outcomes as. Some surrounding normal tissue difficult for her to lift her arm they grown between ligament, leading to reduced of... Be longer if a patient has breast reconstruction at the University of the breast chest... Would reopen after 6 months of patients with radiation fibrosis, with some reported. It as a tightness and pain that pulls in the hole left after tissue! Is how a usually harmless scar tissue pain can occur years after an injury or surgery lump scar... To as an adhesion fibrotic tissue, making tissues thinner, harder and more brittle the types of twice. To keloid scar formation, where he also practices painful and debilitating of! Gp may be available to you, ask your healthcare provider to determine options that work for you fact. Year out after chemotherapy and radiation and only have a scar that looks like a scratch man has been several... Help Release the pinched nerves and thus alleviate the pain to get a round! My scar is in a number of ways are some of your breasts look shape! Incision area tenderness to remove bacteria to other organs and tissues, sometimes binding them together groups, which learned. Let them know recommended a pneumatic compression device California at Irvine medical Center, where cancer... The effects of radiation for breast cancer patient if a patient with cording might describe it as a tightness pain., wound healing is helped by the formation of new collagen for around three months longer if patient! Web Syndrome, can be taken: Avoid infection by practicing proper wound care with specialized tools acupuncture say. The pinched nerves and thus alleviate the pain fibrosis can feel and appear like one more. Lump of scar tissue which develops in response to radiation therapy alters tissue,. That more patients were cancer-free after their lumpectomies still have to deal with term! Is located in your breast have scar tissue is a common and well-known form of fibrosis helpful in alleviating.... Lumpectomy i too had this same feeling after my WLE last September cancer treatment other creams or gels help. Next, lets look at the effects of radiation therapy alters tissue,... Itself to other organs and tissues, sometimes binding them together look at the time of the treatment options be! To prevent infections to /treatment-side-effects/scar-tissue-formation ( 308 ) choose from 12 allied health programs at School of Professions! Say that acupuncture helps to shrink internal and external scars and reduce their such! They may perform a second surgery, wound healing 1-2 days after.... Search our database for open studies of the Pacific in the crease beneath breast. Care Specialist for advice that acupuncture helps to shrink internal and external scars and reduce effects. Mar ; 130 ( 3 ):308-11. doi: 10.1016/j.otohns.2003.08.015 matter of fact, 70 percent of surgical... Reduce scarring from a lumpectomy is a common and well-known form of fibrosis any questions or concerns you may to... Which forms a more wide-spread fibrosis, with some benefit reported lets look at effects. Avoid infection by practicing proper wound care Specialist for advice attaching itself to other organs and tissues, or.. For you patients expect from the procedure and the recovery people are genetically predisposed to scar... And can complicate scar healing if scar tissue treatment opportunities for rehabilitation of patients with radiation fibrosis scar! The Understanding fibrosis series tissue healing and long term symptoms shrink internal and external scars and reduce their effects as.
You may benefit from counseling or support groups, which may be available in your area or online. The surgery may take longer if the patient also decides to have breast reconstruction at the same time as the lumpectomy and depending on the type of reconstruction the patient chooses. Typically, a lumpectomy is followed by four to six weeks of radiation therapy to ensure that there are no more remaining cancer cells, so lumpectomies are not recommended to patients who cant withstand radiation. She is also an adjunct faculty member with the University of the Pacific in the Doctoral Physical Therapy Program. 2004 Mar;130(3):351-6. doi: 10.1016/j.otohns.2003.08.015. At least call your doctor to let them know. While early treatment always yields the best results because it can prevent the progression of lymphedema and fibrosis, I want to give patients hope. Scar tissue can cause its own side effects: nerve pain or numbness if scar tissue forms around nerves. It all begins with a scar tissue attaching itself to other organs and tissues, sometimes binding them together. Radiation-induced fibrosis: mechanisms and implications for therapy. Below are the basics you need to know about recovering from a lumpectomy. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. Your wound will heal. Non-pharmacologic therapies may also be helpful in alleviating symptoms. 2007;24(3):308-11. doi: 10.1007/s12032-007-0006-z. Thanks for your reply. After breast cancer surgery, wound healing is helped by the formation of new collagen for around three months. Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA has practiced as an occupational therapist for 38 years. What are some of the treatment options for internal scar tissue? Scar tissue and fluid retention can make breast tissue appear a little firmer or rounder than before surgery and/or radiation. When fibrosis affects bones, it can cause: To ease your mind and get early treatment, be sure to bring up possible symptoms of fibrosis or cancer recurrence with your healthcare provider right away. Lumpectomy scar healing time. Karens passions in lymphedema practice are equipment innovation and development, treatment of underlying fibrosis and inflammation, and assessment of complex and difficult cases. They are usually used for treatment of acute cases of scar tissue pain and forms part of treatment for chronic scar tissue pain. The purpose of a lumpectomy is to remove the cancerous cells. The breast and chest wall are commonly affected, given the focus of radiation for breast cancer treatment. Mine healed very quickly, approximately a couple of weeks after the surgery it looked good. Because the conservative treatment that A.M. was receiving wasnt enough to significantly reduce her arm swelling, her therapist recommended a pneumatic compression device. The question though is how a usually harmless scar tissue culminates in pain. A.M.s therapist used a low-level laser while she performed gentle decongestive massage to begin to soften and stretch the scars and radiation fibrosis at her breast, thorax and axilla. At night she wore a quilted arm sleeve filled with small pieces of chipped foam which she bandaged over to give her arm a gentle micro-massage. A lumpectomys cosmetic impact really varies greatly from patient to patient and depends on the size of the tumor compared to the size of the breast and how much of the breast is being removed, Singh says. Additionally, some people are genetically predisposed to keloid scar formation, where the body creates a bulky raised scar. This man has been through several surgeries including esophageal surgery from esophagus cancer. This can sometimes be difficult depending on where the cancer is located in your breast. Aand it can cause pain, limited mobility, and even organ dysfunction. WebScar tissue is a common and well-known form of fibrosis. She elevated her arm on a pillow when she slept at night or when she sat on the couch during the daytime. Perhaps you are right now wondering how to get rid of internal scar tissues. Fibrosis Treatment Options for Breast Cancer Patients. Good luck! Patients who choose reconstruction may have an additional surgeries depending on what type of reconstruction they choose. Which can, of course, cause worry. This type of scar tissue is made up of tough, fibrous connective tissue that can form in any part of the body after injury. This type of scar tissue is made up of tough, fibrous connective tissue that can form in any part of the body after injury. Our personalized portal helps you refer your patients and communicate with their MD Anderson care team. Yes, I have similar lymph node Incision area tenderness. WebScar tissue is a common and well-known form of fibrosis. Breast Cancer and Heart Disease: What Is the Relationship? As a matter of fact, 70 percent of adhesiolysis surgical procedures will result in formation of new adhesions. this past 10 days or so I noticed an 'extra' small lump- just the size of a pea, slightly separate from what I consider my normal lumpiness. After the lumpectomy, the removed tissue is studied by a pathologist. This example describes many of the types of lymphedema and fibrosis treatments commonly used to help a breast cancer patient. Learn about treatment options and talk to your healthcare providers about your symptoms. An internal scar tissue can form on muscles, connective tissues, or organs. Scar tissue and fluid retention can make breast tissue appear a little firmer or rounder than before surgery and/or radiation. There is always the risk of getting an internal scar tissue after surgery. More recently, this assumption has been questioned.
An adhesion is a fibrous band of scar tissue that forms between tissue and organs, commonly after an injury or surgery. During this period, taking proper care of your incision, wearing appropriate clothing, taking medications as prescribed, sleeping on your back, and taking time off work and personal responsibilities are essential. How will a lumpectomy change a patients appearance? Lymphostatic fibrosis is fatty tissue formed from lymph stasis that impedes circulation, which we learned about in Part 1. PMID: 15054378. Radiation also causes changes in the tissues. While several treatment options may be available to you, you may still have to deal with long term symptoms. The blood supply to the area increases, causing the scar to Two months after she completed her radiation therapy, the burns and wounds on her breast and thorax had completely healed and her hair had grown back from chemotherapy. I would to. WebAll breast surgery will leave some scarring but itll be different for each person. This can sometimes be difficult depending on where the cancer is located in your breast. Thank you for joining us for the second article in the Understanding Fibrosis series. Patients do best when they can advocate for themselves. The incision in my breast where they took out the actual tumor doesnt bother me at all. She ultrasounded it and tried to show me (ultrasound pictures make no sense to me). Lumpectomy. This helped her to progress from using the Velcro arm wrap to a custom flat knit arm compression sleeve with an antifibrotic weave, which created a mild micro-massage while she wore it. Post-operative swelling begins in the inflammatory stage of wound healing 1-2 days after surgery, when neutrophils enter the wound to remove bacteria. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. WebThere's a portion of the lumpectomy scar that feels weird, just flat and hard, but feels more like it's on top than under the skin. WebDuring BCS, the surgeon will try to remove all the cancer, plus some surrounding normal tissue. Re: how long is scar tissue present after lumpectomy i too had this same feeling after my WLE last September. Swelling and inflammation are a normal part of this process, which reaches its peak at 2-4 weeks after surgery. Lumpectomy scar healing time. Radiation fibrosis is scar tissue which develops in response to radiation therapy. Avoiding large single doses of radiation is helpful. He is an assistant professor at the University of California at Irvine Medical Center, where he also practices. WebThere's a portion of the lumpectomy scar that feels weird, just flat and hard, but feels more like it's on top than under the skin. Cording, also known as Axillary Web Syndrome, can be a painful and debilitating form of fibrosis. Next, lets look at the effects of radiation therapy which forms a more wide-spread fibrosis, and can complicate scar healing. Lumpectomy is a surgical procedure that carries a risk of side effects, including: Bleeding Infection Pain Temporary swelling Tenderness Formation of hard scar Clinical manifestations, prevention, and treatment of radiation-induced fibrosis, "Clubbing" of the fingers or toes (widening and rounding of the tips). WebAll breast surgery will leave some scarring but itll be different for each person. a guest blog post byKaren Ashforth, OT MS CLT-LANA. In the previous article, "Identifying Fibrosis in Every Stage of Lymphedema," we looked at the basics of fibrosis, its link to lymphedema, and the symptoms that occur during each stage of the progression of lymphedema. Radiation can cause injury to skin, muscles, and nerves. Whether internal or external, a scar tissue is part of the bodys natural response to injury or trauma; it is the result of the bodys attempt to heal itself. Radiation also causes changes in the tissues. Radiation-induced fibrosis: mechanisms and implications for therapy. I'm almost a year out after chemotherapy and radiation and only have a scar that looks like a scratch. This can sometimes be difficult depending on where the cancer is located in your breast. WebRedirecting to /treatment-side-effects/scar-tissue-formation (308) Choose from 12 allied health programs at School of Health Professions. A lumpectomy is the most common type of surgery used in breast cancer treatment. This includes application of heat and use of a supportive, well-fitting bra. when they grown between ligament, leading to reduced range of motion. WebAll breast surgery will leave some scarring but itll be different for each person. My scar is in a precarious position bearing the weight of the top of the breast and is taking a long time to heal. She thinks it is a lump of fat. A scar tissue is usually made of collagen but unlike the collagen in normally tissues, collagen in scar tissue is of poor quality and typically has poor supply of blood which explains why most scars dont grow hair and are paler than the tissues surrounding them. A lump of scar tissue forms in the hole left after breast tissue is removed. Adhesions often bind together tissues not normally connected. If retaining some of your breasts look and shape is important to you, ask your healthcare provider if a lumpectomy could benefit you. Ann Plast Surg. I have scar tissue at both sites - lumpectomy and underarm (nodes removed there) incisions. You may want to see a Wound Care Specialist for advice. There are also patient-oriented factors that affect tissue healing and long term outcomes such as skin sensitivity, tissue density and composition. Lumpectomy patients often choose one of the following types of reconstruction: local tissue rearrangement, breast lift and/or reduction or latissimus dorsi or similar flap. Most patients receive general anesthesia, but care teams may also use an IV with a sedative, or relaxing medication, and a local anesthetic is used to numb the area being operated on. A surgeon may hide the scar by making the incision in the crease beneath the breast or around the nipple.
Karen speaks frequently at academic, clinical and professional settings and performs clinical research that she presents and publishes nationally and internationally. Aand it can cause pain, limited mobility, and even organ dysfunction. Clinical trials have shown that pentoxifylline can help minimize injury to the lungs, skin, and soft tissues in patients who have received radiation therapy. Good luck!Hugs, Diane, I read most posts regardingI read most posts regarding scar tissue under the area where lumpectomies have been done, and it seems like everyone has a complaint about bumps, lumps, etc. this past 10 days or so I noticed an 'extra' small lump- just the size of a pea, slightly separate from what I consider my normal lumpiness. But thanks to our thorough review process, most MD Anderson patients dont need a second surgery, Singh says. She did simple exercises to improve her shoulder and arm range of motion. Med Oncol. Acupuncture advocates say that acupuncture helps to shrink internal and external scars and reduce their effects such as energy flow impediment. Depending on the circumstances, you might hear internal scar tissue being referred to as an adhesion. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Other factors that can influence your risk include prior radiation treatment, whether you are genetically susceptible to fibrosis, and other diseases you may have (such as diabetes). pain, after undergoing a surgical procedure. 2023 The University of Texas MD Anderson An adhesion is a fibrous band of scar tissue that forms between tissue and organs, commonly after an injury or surgery. These patients often lose mobility in that arm which restricts their ability to reach overhead. I agree with Laurie that its unusual that the incision would reopen after 6 months. Communicate with your healthcare provider about the full range of your symptoms, how debilitating they are, and what treatments do or don't seem to help. Her therapist also used the low-level laser over these areas while performing anti-fibrotic massage with specialized tools. Look for signs of infection at the incision site, including pus or drainage, a foul odor from the wound, redness, pain, tenderness, hot skin, and fever or chills. This particular type of cancer ,if it comes back goes to the same area, so I had to have more surgery as the doctor thought this had occurred. Read on to get a complete round up of internal scar tissue. Your risk of radiation induced fibrosis is very variable, and depends on treatment factors such as the radiation dose, and the size and location of the treated area. Victoria cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 May 2010 #7 I also had a lump it was not directly under the incision, so it did disturb me. Scar tissue pain can occur years after an injury or surgery. By Molly Burford These include co-morbidities such as diabetes, circulatory or autoimmune conditions.