Is stromal fibrosis a cancer risk?

[VictoriaMia]

I am a 29 year old woman living in Trinidad in the Caribbean.  Last July I noticed a slight pain and bump which turned out to be a very small stromal fibrosis removed from just under the nipple and areola at 6 oclock from my left breast. Test came back benign. Within 4 months another node appeared under the areola again, but in different spot, which was removed 08 Feb 07.  It is now June there is a thickening around the rim of the last cut and more 'bumps' have appeared in a different area (not under the areola) of the same breast. My doctor, who is a very experienced surgeon has only ever seen it in one patient who was in her 50's or 60's. He removed it from her breast and within 3 years she had died of breast cancer.  There are no other cases that he knows of in Trinidad besides me. I would rather err on the side of caution and have a double mastectomy.  Is there any way you can point me in the right direction with regards to how to proceed with my situation? Are there any breast centers that specialize in this? There is no one in Trinidad who can help me, because there are no previous cases. I feel hard pressed for time to make a decision so any help would be appreciated.

[VictoriaMia]

thank you for your information.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear VictoriaMia, Stromal fibrosis is a benign (non-cancerous) finding and not a risk factor for breast cancer.  A finding of a new breast lump should be followed up and evaluated.  This means being sure to bring these to the attention of your doctor who can evaluate the new lump and make recommendations.     Regarding breast specialists, these are usually found in large academic centers.