fibroadenoma of breast and menstrual cycle

Hi I am sami from Wisconsin, my Mom died of breast cancer 7 years ago in India, my sister whos now 27 develop benign fibroadenomas in breast and ultra suggested endometrial hyperplasia. A doctor mistreated her for 3 months with contraceptives and that has resulted in enlarged breasts fibroadenoma and clotting on the monthly discharge, her cycle has become very irregular and prolonged to upto 2 weeks, she is very depressed. the monthly discharge is very minimal and often black in color. Lately her enlarged fibroademonas have sperad to both of the breasts and have become painful. Her teandancy to catch common cold has gone up as well. just like it was in case of my mother, do increase estrogen have such effects? What should we do. Doees she need progesterone treatment? the fibroademonas have become giant, do surgical removal pose a risk of recurrance? will it predispose her to developing breast malignacies? I would appreciate and thank everybody who could send me some thoughts although I understand its very difficult to point towards something without having patient physically examined.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

Indeed, increased estrogen would indeed result to increased breast tissue stimulation that can increase the occurrence and number of these fibroadenomas.  However, fibroadenomas are still benign lesions and that these does not degenerate into cancer.

Regarding treatment, I believe progesterone therapy will not be of such aid, and from the experience with contraceptives, I believe that any form of hormonal treatment will be risky (may worsen the situation).  If the fibroadenomas are too large for comfort then a surgical option should be entertained.  Also, for very large fibroadenomas, it is best to have these excised and examined by a pathologist through different sections to really make sure that no cancer is present.

regards.