Final answer:
A 55-year-old woman with a history of stage II breast carcinoma now presents a small nodule on the suture line, which necessitates an immediate assessment. The plan should include a physical examination, imaging studies, and a biopsy to confirm if the nodule represents a recurrence of cancer. Further treatment will be based on the findings but could involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
Step-by-step explanation:
A 55-year-old woman with a history of a modified radical mastectomy for stage II carcinoma of the breast now presents with a 0.5cm nodule in the suture line five years later. The appearance of such a nodule is concerning because it could represent a recurrence of breast cancer. Therfore, a thorough assessment is required.
The plan would be to initially perform a careful physical examination of the nodule, followed by imaging studies such as a mammogram or ultrasound to assess the nature of the lesion. A biopsy of the nodule should be considered to achieve a definitive diagnosis, which would guide further treatment. Depending on the results, treatment options might range from surgical resection to systemic therapy if a malignancy were confirmed.
Early detection and treatment have shown to improve outcomes, so identifying concerning features like new nodules post-mastectomy are critical. Women undergoing routine screening mammograms and practicing monthly breast self-exams increases the likelihood of catching recurrences or new cancers early. If the biopsy confirms the recurrence of breast cancer, the treatment plan might include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these modalities.