fibroadenoma

[deblang]

I am 43 years old and recently had an ultrasound due to dense breasts. Prior to this I've had 3 mammograms, all normal.  On the ultrasound the doctor saw 3 fibroadenomas on my right breast. Two looked like typical fibroadenomas.  One had an irregular shape and the doctor suggested a biopsy.  I've been a nervous wreck.  Is it uncommon for a fibroadenoma to have an irregular shape?  I'm hoping that the fact that I have 2 other fibroadenomas makes it most likely that this is also one.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear deblang:  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.  However, if this looks irregular, then further investigation would be appropriate. 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.

[Mel273]

I have had several fibroidadenomas too.  One was normally shapped and one irregular with a birad 4.  It came back benign, but I would have it biopsied.  This way you know for sure.  Good luck!  

[surgeon]

the only way to be absolutely sure something is a fibroadenoma is by some form of biopsy; however, there certainly is a typical way they look and feel, and in some contexts, simple exam is reassuring enough. It depends, in the case of an ultrasound, on various criteria: most typically the edges of a fibroadenoma are very smooth. If, by irregular, it's meant that it's lobulated (like a cluster of grapes) that's not too unusual. But if the edges look "fuzzy" that's not typical and some kind of further investigation is indicated.

[jays67]

In November I found a lump.  The mammo and ultrasound showed a fibroadenoma.  My doctor took a needle biopsy and took samples of the lump.  Everything looked "normal".  He removed the lump by surgery and it turned out to be a phyllodes tumor.  The correct procedure for a phyllodes tumor is to remove with a margin.  The only way to make the diagnosis is to remove the lump and check it under a scope.  For peace of mind it is good to have the lump removed.

[alucasrn]

A related discussion, Fibroadenoma in breast of 43 year old was started.