OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Could My Medication Be Linked to the Recurrence of My Benign Tumor?

3/26/2025, 10:30:22 PMMale25-34

For approximately four months, I've been on a dosage of 20 mg of Xeractan, and recently I discovered a benign tumor in my right breast. I underwent surgery for its removal; however, just twenty days later, it reappeared. My family suspects that the medication might be the culprit and is advising me to discontinue its use, yet I remain uncertain about whether this is indeed the case. What are the underlying factors that contribute to the formation of benign tumors, and why do they tend to return? I’ve attempted to discuss this with my physician, but they often evade my questions and shift the focus, merely stating, "Benign tumors are quite prevalent among women." I can’t shake the feeling that they may not have a definitive answer to my concerns.

ArthritisCrohn's DiseaseRheumatology

Answers (1)

Cony

3/26/2025, 10:30:45 PM

OpenHealth AI

Understanding the Connection Between Your Medication and Benign Tumors

It’s completely valid to be concerned about your medication and its potential link to the recurrence of your benign tumor. Let's break down the situation and address your questions clearly.

Possible Factors for Benign Tumors:

  1. Hormonal Influences: Some benign tumors, especially in the breast, can be influenced by hormonal changes. Estrogen, in particular, may play a role in their development and recurrence.
  2. Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals may have a family history or genetic factors that predispose them to develop benign tumors.
  3. Age and Physical Changes: As you age, or due to changes in body composition or health conditions, your body may react differently, leading to tumor formation.

Medication Considerations:

  • Xeractan, as you identified, can have various effects, but currently, there is limited evidence directly connecting it to the prevention or growth of benign tumors. Always approach medication concerns cautiously, and never discontinue medications without proper guidance.
  • The recurrence of your tumor may not necessarily be related to your medication but rather due to the factors mentioned above or others specific to your physiology.

Next Steps to Consider:

  1. Track Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of any changes in your symptoms, including new lumps or changes in breast tissue, and note any side effects of your medication.
  2. Research Your Medication: Learn more about Xeractan to understand its side effects and consult trustworthy sources like a pharmacist.
  3. Seek a Second Opinion: If you feel your concerns aren’t being adequately addressed, consider consulting another healthcare professional. A second opinion can provide new insights or reassurance.
  4. Discuss Follow-Up Care: Ask your doctor about a follow-up plan for monitoring your breast health and inquire about other preventative measures or screenings.
  5. Communicate Openly: Prepare specific questions for your physician about the relationship between your medication and benign tumors, ensuring you feel heard in your conversations.

Remember, your health and comfort are paramount, and advocating for yourself is essential. If you have further questions or need clarification, please continue the dialogue.

Related Questions

Understanding Atrial Fibrillation and Thyroid Issues: Variability in Cardioversion Decisions

Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for guidance regarding my mother’s current health situation, and I’d greatly appreciate any shared experiences or thoughts. **My mother's background:** - **Age**: 55 years - **Weight**: Recently dropped to 116 kg from 118 kg in just two days, likely due to diuretics. - **Health history**: Previously an underactive thyroid, undiagnosed and untreated, now presenting as overactive. - **Medications**: Currently taking thyroid medication and a beta-blocker (Rapiblock). **Current health status:** My mother has been hospitalized since Tuesday, experiencing **atrial fibrillation with heart rates exceeding 200** beats per minute due to her thyroid's hyperactivity. - The plan for cardioversion was initially settled on Tuesday. However, the following day, the medical team advised postponing it until her thyroid levels could be stabilized, believing that her heart rate would return to normal once her thyroid condition was managed. - Her **obesity** precludes her from undergoing a transthoracic echocardiogram, and due to her thyroid concerns, she cannot handle contrast dye (this has been a consistent issue for over four years). Therefore, the only feasible option was a **transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)**, which has yet to be performed. - She has been prescribed various medications including beta-blockers and thyroid treatments in the past. - On Friday, a doctor proposed proceeding with cardioversion; however, the attending senior physician objected. - Today (Saturday), another clinician has expressed a desire to move forward with cardioversion, having initiated a new medication, as the senior physician is unavailable. - **Communication has been unclear**, as we were notified of developments by a nurse rather than the physician in charge, causing confusion and anxiety. - Currently, only a **chest X-ray** is scheduled, and the TEE remains unaddressed. **My inquiries are as follows:** 1. Is it common for medical professionals to have varying opinions and frequently revise medication or treatment plans like cardioversion? 2. Is it safe to conduct cardioversion in the absence of a TEE? I presumed that this was a standard procedure to exclude the presence of blood clots. 3. Is it usual practice to have only a chest X-ray prior to moving ahead with cardioversion? 4. How typical is it for patients or their families to not be directly informed about treatment changes and learn about them through nursing staff instead? I recognize that this cannot substitute for professional medical advice. I’m simply trying to discern whether these circumstances are typical or if we should express our concerns more assertively with the healthcare facility. Thank you for your insights!

Thyroid DisordersEndocrinologyRheumatology
Male25-34
39 minutes ago

28-Year-Old Male Experiencing Scalp Sensations Post-Amitriptyline Treatment

I am a 28-year-old man in generally good health, without any cardiac concerns. Approximately a month ago, I encountered intense pain localized to one side of my head, which was unresponsive to paracetamol. However, a single dose of a migraine treatment provided substantial relief. Following that, I began a regimen of amitriptyline, starting at a nightly dose of 10 to 25 mg. While my head pain has diminished significantly—by about 90 to 95%—I now experience occasional uncomfortable sensations on my scalp. These feelings include pins and needles, a cooling sensation, and some crawling feelings near my hairline and ears. There are fleeting moments where I feel brief throbs lasting a second, but I do not have any persistent headaches. To clarify, I do not experience any of the following: - Nausea - Weakness in my limbs - Numbness - Changes in my vision - Coordination difficulties - Seizures The symptoms I have are transient, shifting around and often intensifying when I become conscious of them or as the day progresses. I would like to know: Is it common to experience these sensations during the recovery stage following episodes of neuralgia or migraine-like discomfort? Additionally, could the amitriptyline potentially be causing these temporary paresthetic sensations? I am seeking some reassurance or advice on what is typically observed during this healing process. Thank you.

Multiple SclerosisCrohn's DiseaseEndocrinology
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Concerns About My Toes

Age: 30, Female Currently, I am on the lookout for a reputable podiatrist in my vicinity. However, I've encountered a perplexing issue with my foot. Just last night, I noticed a growth on the side of my toe, something entirely new to me. I maintain a nutritious diet and have a demanding job that requires me to be on my feet quite often. My footwear includes brands such as Brooks Ghost Runners, Hoka Bondi 9’s, and Nike Motiva’s, and I don’t opt for restrictive socks. I also apply Vick’s Vaporub to my feet, a practice handed down from my family, and stick with simple, non-fragrant lotions like Vanicream and CeraVe SA Cream for my skin. In addition, I am curious about the my big toenail's change in color. What might be the underlying reasons for this? Also, I have these persistent dark spots on my toes that I've struggled with since my days on the runway. Despite my efforts, nothing has succeeded in lightening or diminishing their appearance. I'm just looking to determine if there might have been a factor from the past that could have contributed to these issues. I’m not sure what else to include, but I’m open to answering any questions you might have. Thank you for your attention! Best wishes from a worried soul!

ArthritisFibromyalgiaInternal Medicine
Male25-34
2 hours ago

Strange Jelly-Like Substance Observed from Wound

I’m a 21-year-old female living with an auto-inflammatory condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recently, I've experienced a concerning issue with one of my wounds. This particular wound causes significant pain and excessive bleeding. However, whenever I attend to it, I tend to find this unusual jelly-like substance present within it. Interestingly, this phenomenon has only occurred with this one wound and not any of the others I have. The bleeding seems to persist until I manage to remove this jelly substance, after which it typically slows down and comes to a halt completely. I’m seeking insights into what this might signify so that I can effectively discuss it with my healthcare provider.

ArthritisFibromyalgiaInternal Medicine
Male25-34
3 hours ago

Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years

For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!

LupusCrohn's DiseaseThyroid Disorders
Male25-34
4 hours ago