FIBROUS BREAST TISSUE

[Crystal05]

I visited my doctor the other day because a have what i thought was a boil under my breast. After examination he told me that i had a dense fiberous tissue in my left breast and immediately made an appoint with the surgical team in two weeks time. I have no pain the only thing that I have notice is that my one breast has got really big over the last few months. Can you explain why I cannot feel the fiberous tissue and why i have been refered to a surgical team. I know i should have asked while in surgery but it all happened so fast it did not sink in.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Glad to know that the post was of some help.

What is the plan of management in your case currently?

Let us know if you have any doubts and post us about what your doctor advises.

Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Regards.

[Crystal05]

Thanks for responding. I am 52yrs old, I have had breast surgery 19yrs ago. I was told it was border line cancer and I did not have to have any treatment other than regular check-ups. I have had a sebacious cyst under my left breast and I mentioned to the nurse that my breast was getting very large compared to what it was. From November I have gone from a dd to a f cup on my left breast, my right breast has not changed. Unfortunately when I saw the GP who is also a surgeon I had no idea he would come out with his diagnosis. I check my breast everyday when I shower. They made the appointment there and then at the surgery for 18/3.
Thanks again for taking the time to reply
Crystal05

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,
What is your age?

Dense fibrous tissue would mean non-uniformly dense breast tissue.

Such densities make the mammogram difficult to read or to palpate a definite lump on physical exam. The dense tissue makes it more likely that a cancer might be missed.

The density finding itself is not a risk factor for breast cancer; many women have these changes.

Have you noticed any abnormal features on breast self examination like a breast lump, nipple discharge or skin changes?

These are managed with regular breast self examinations and periodic clinical breast examinations by your physician and 6 monthly or yearly mammograms and ultrasound. In some cases, if a suspicious lesion is suspected, a biopsy is done for a confirmed diagnosis. That must be the reason for referring you to a surgical team - to assess if further investigations are required.

Let us know if you have any other doubts and post us about what your doctor advises.

Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Regards.