lump started to grow

my wife has had a lump in her right breast for about 11 years now. She first found it just after having a lumpectomy in the same area 11 yrs ago for a benig lump.  Just before her last period she noticed it had grown larger and is very sore.No other symptoms noticed. The Doc sent her for a needle biopsy and are now waiting. What could this be, could it have turned malignant after 11 years? It is very mobile-do fibroadenmoas start to grow like this?

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear augie8, Fibroadenomas or cysts do not "turn" malignant over time.  However, it is always important to have a changing lump evaluated, as your wife is doing.

[augie8]

If this is a fibroadenoma, can they grow all of a sudden like this? Has anybody heard of this? My wife says its the same lump that was there for 11-12 years. Could it be a phyllodes tumor?

[Bet63]

I have had 2 fibroadenomas, both removed surgically. I know that they can grow but are harmless. I recently found a lump that was painful also and my surgeon believes it is another fibroadenoma and as long as it doesn't change then its ok to leave it where it is.
I know that sometimes they can grow but they never turn into cancer. Mine were also movable. I think that's one way the Dr can tell if it is a fibroadenoma. But the Only way to be sure is to have the biopsy.
If your wife has had this for 11 years.....has it been checked out before? Does it show up on her mammograms?  If she found the lump right after a lumpectomy perhaps it could be scar tissue from that.  
I wish you luck with your wife's results and try to keep positive. I know the waiting is really the hardest part. Going through that myself at the moment. Take care and good luck to you and your wife. She's a lucky woman to have a husband who who takes an active interest in her wellbeing. :0)
Take care.

[augie8]

My biggest concern is why did it start to grow bigger after all these years? Is this possible for a benign lump? She has had mammograms since first discovering the lump 1 years ago, and nothing was said after. She has had physicals and the doctors have felt the lump before and are aware of it.Anybody have this problem before where they grew quickly - could have something to do with hormones because it all came about right before her last period-until then it would only bug her pre-menstual period then calm back down.

[Bet63]

I believe that any lump can grow. I know benign cysts can get quite large. I'm not sure about fibroadenomas because mine have been removed shortly after I found them.
It could possibly be hormone related. Women with fibrocystic breasts often feel more lumps right before or during their period. That's why self examination is so important. A woman gets to know her breasts well and will notice a new lump or one that has changed. Hope this info helps a little.
I also believe that you should keep asking questions of your doctor until you understand what is said. I ask for copies of all my reports so I know exactly what I'm dealing with.
Have you received results from the needle biopsy yet? I hope for a good report for your wife.
Take care

Bet

[augie8]

well the FNA came back negative-benign fibroadenoma. Surgeon wants to remove it anyway as it is so big and uncomfortable. Surgery is today and hope all goes well.  thanks!

[Bet63]

So glad to hear your wife has a benign fibroadoma! I'm sure she will feel much better after it is removed(although she will be sore for a few days after surgery) I'm 2 weeks post-op and still have some intermittent pain in my breast. I also had a benign result and know what a relief that is.
All the best to you and your wife in the future.
Bet