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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
fibroadenoma
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
fibroadenoma
by Boyd, Jun 17, 2002 12:00AM
I've had a lump in my breast for a few years now. A few years ago I had a needle aspiration done and it came back negative. Last week I saw my Dr. and she noticed the lump had changed and grown quite a bit. It's about the size of a small marble. She ordered another aspiration and the results came back benign again. She called it a fibroadenoma and wants to see me in six months. Everything I've read suggests those kind of lumps be removed to be on the safe side. What do you suggest?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Jun 18, 2002 12:00AM
Dear boyd: Fibrooadenomas are distinct on a mammogram or ultrasound and when aspirated - no fluid comes out. A physician can generally tell whether a lump is a fibroadenoma by feeling it. As long as the doctor is sure it is a fibroadenoma, there is no need to remove the lump. In 50% of the cases fibroadenomas will go away on their own within 5 years. In others, the life of a fibroadenoma is about 15 years. In teenagers - the tendency is not to remove fibroadenomas. In middle age women, the tendency is to remove the fibroadenomas to be sure they are, in fact, fibroadenomas.
The 2 cm fibroadenoma & cyst I had in 1986 was right next to the cancerous tumor that developed later on. I don't know how long the cancerous tumor was there because it was hidden by the fibroadenoma. The breast specialist advised to leave the fibroadenoma/cyst because it would mean a scar on my breast. Who cares? It was painful! Years later (1997) it was finally removed along with the tumor. I say if it hurts get it out. & if it doesn't belong there get it out.